Fields to Forks: Building Local Food Partnerships Half‑Day Conference Connects Farmers, Chefs, and Hospitality Leaders to Strengthen the Regional Food Economy
SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), in collaboration with the Sullivan County Visitors Association (SCVA), will host Fields to Forks: Building Local Food Partnerships on April 21 from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM at The Arnold House in Livingston Manor, New York.
This free, half-day conference is designed to strengthen farm-to-table connections by bringing together farmers, chefs, restaurant owners, and food service professionals for hands-on learning and meaningful networking. The in-person event creates dedicated opportunities for hospitality professionals, chefs, and producers to meet face-to-face, exchange ideas, and begin building relationships that support local sourcing and long-term collaboration.
The morning features two concurrent workshop tracks—one tailored for chefs, restaurant owners, and food service managers, and the other designed specifically for farmers and food producers interested in selling to restaurants, hotels, and institutions. Sessions focus on practical strategies that help both sides of the supply chain better understand one another and work together successfully.
Participants will learn directly from experts on:
- Sourcing and cooking with seasonal, local ingredients
- Menu planning and culinary creativity using regional products
- Understanding buyer expectations and building strong farm-to-restaurant relationships
- Wholesale readiness, pricing strategies, and food safety certifications
- Delivery logistics, communication, and invoicing best practices
“Fields to Forks is about creating real connections across our local food system,” said Alan Caroll Ag & Food Systems Program Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County. “By giving chefs, hospitality professionals, and farmers time to learn together and connect directly, we’re helping build partnerships that can continue well beyond this event.”
Who Should Attend:
Fields to Forks is open to farmers and food producers, chefs and culinary professionals, restaurant and hospitality owners and managers, food service professionals, and anyone interested in strengthening local food systems and farm-to-table partnerships. This free event offers valuable learning and networking opportunities for both new and established businesses and includes a locally sourced lunch, providing additional time to connect with peers and regional collaborators.
To register or learn more, visit www.sullivancce.org/events or contact Alan Carroll, Food Systems Program Manager, at 845 292 6180 ext. 108 or amc586@cornell.edu.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County bietet gleiche Programm- und Beschäftigungsmöglichkeiten. Die Öffentlichkeit kann sich an das Büro wenden, um Unterkünfte anzufordern.
