Farm to Fork Summit 2026
The 8th annual Farm to Fork Summit and Expo will take place Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Nevada Community Center in Nevada, Missouri. The regional event brings together farmers, ranchers, food entrepreneurs, and partners for a full day of learning, connection, and practical insight focused on strengthening farms, food businesses, and rural and urban communities.
Farm to Fork is designed with food producers in mind, whether they are just getting started, looking to diversify, or ready to strengthen and scale their operation. The event offers practical strategies, shared learning, and meaningful connections to support food and farm businesses serving local and regional food markets.
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Beyond learning specific skills or strategies, attendees gain access to ongoing support, resources, and relationships that continue to benefit their businesses long after the event.
It was at Farm to Fork that Julianne Hemphill, owner of the emerging elderberry business Twilight Grove, learned about a mini-scholarship that helped her attend essential training for her farm. Connections made at the Summit also led Melissa Ginther, owner of Ruthie Mae Blooms, to new ideas and ways of thinking about her business, along with information about a grant that supported her next stage of growth. Farm to Fork is also a place where participants come full circle like Makeesha Munro, owner of Root 54 Farm, grateful for the business assistance she received through New Growth, last year returned to share her knowledge by presenting a session on mushroom farming.
From Food as Medicine to Farm-Level Strategy
The 2026 Farm to Fork event will open with a keynote presentation about new opportunities for locally produced food in healthcare. National speaker Erin Martin, co-founder and CEO of FreshRx Oklahoma, will discuss Building Healthy Futures with Food as Medicine. She will explore how fresh, locally produced food can improve health outcomes while also creating new opportunities for farmers and ranchers.
After the keynote presentation, attendees will choose from a wide range of breakout sessions on topics that include:
- Building and expanding direct-to-consumer sales
- Diversifying operations with sheep and goats
- Regenerative agriculture farm design
- Navigating USDA programs
- Understanding cottage food laws in Missouri and Kansas
- Going wholesale with regenerative agriculture products
- Using on-farm events and agritourism to reach new customers
- Strengthening food access through food hubs and farm stops
Exhibitors at Farm to Fork also provide information about valuable programs and products.
Farm to Fork offers both practical tools and big-picture perspective to help farmers and food business owners adapt, innovate, and increase their resilience in a changing agricultural and economic landscape.
Not Your Typical Lunch
One of the most anticipated features of Farm to Fork is a hearty scratch-cooked lunch made with a surprising variety of fresh and locally sourced ingredients available in late winter, well before most spring planting.
The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative of Fort Scott, Kansas, will cater the local food meal at the 2026 Farm to Fork event using ingredients it sources from nearby farm and food businesses. Working with this team reinforces the Farm to Fork mission of building strong, connected regional food economies. The organization provides certified commercial kitchen access, equipment, and support for food entrepreneurs.
Visit newgrowthmo.org/farmtofork for event details, including ticket information and a limited-time ticket scholarship for farm businesses.
About New Growth
New Growth is a nonprofit rural community development corporation based in west central Missouri, with offices in Appleton City, El Dorado Springs, and Bolivar. New Growth supports local and regional economic development through programs that foster rural entrepreneurship and innovation, including micro-financing, food and agriculture business support, child care access, and rural transit.