Farm2LocalBiz event to boost farm-to-table
Over 100 local farmers, ranchers, chefs, restaurant managers, school representatives, and distributors will gather on Feb. 5, 2026 at the annual Farm2LocalBiz local food networking event, held at Block One Events in Old Town Fort Collins.
The event is co-organized by the Colorado State University Extension Office in Larimer County, Northern Colorado Foodshed Project, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, the Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development Office, and CSU Food Systems. Farm2LocalBiz is an evolving effort to encourage more local food consumption, especially within commercial businesses, in Larimer County and greater northern Colorado.
Northern Colorado producers will highlight a wide range of agricultural products, from salad greens, eggs, mushrooms, to beef, chicken, honey, and grains. Each producer will host a table, offering samples to food business representatives. Catering for the event, provided by Fresh Plate Catering, will feature fare directly from the producers attending the event. present. To quench thirst, locally crafted beverages, such as Stodgy Brewing beer and wines from Colorado wineries, will complement the delicious spread.
“Agricultural producers in northern Colorado report it can be a challenge to connect with local commercial markets,” says Jessica Callen, Agriculture Specialist for Larimer County CSU Extension. “Our hope is that Farm2LocalBiz changes that.” During the networking event, attendees will participate in an educational panel featuring an area producer and corresponding restaurant purchaser, as well as a presentation from the Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development Office on the economic impact of local food.
After the inaugural event in 2024, local businesses appreciated being able to connect with area producers. According to one business owner, “We’ve wanted to find a local supplier for honey for a while now. The whole event, meeting St. Michael’s Farms, and the incentive was just the incentive we needed to make it happen.”
To encourage businesses to incorporate local food into their menus and shelves, commercial markets will receive a $100 discount as an incentive on their first purchase from a producer at the event. For local food businesses that have ever been curious about purchasing more local ingredients, this event is the perfect opportunity to start.
About Larimer County Extension
Larimer County Extension provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Our evidence-based knowledge is useful and easily accessible. We are here to serve you, your family, and our community by providing unbiased solutions and options. Our programs include 4-H youth development, yard & garden, health & well-being, community development, retail food safety training, agriculture, and more.
For more information visit our website at: LarimerExtension.org
