On March 29th, 2016, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville hosted the 2016 Opportunities in Local and Regional Food Conference. The conference was a collaboration between Confluence Business Advisors, the Illinois Farm Bureau, USDA Rural Development, and the Small Business Association’s Illinois Small Business Development Center. The forum focused on emerging opportunities in local food, drawing together restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, food and beverage producers, farmers, economic and community developers, bankers and investors, military veterans, government officials, and community leaders.

This event, now in its second year, has witnessed expanding participation, illustrating the interest in local food systems, a greater awareness of food security issues at the community level, and a concern among a growing segment of the population on food safety.

To read a full recap of the event, visit http://bit.ly/1Mq1JdA.
To see the conference details, visit http://conta.cc/1qEcVtg.