Past Present and Future: Local Foods at the County Farm

Join the Johnson County Food Policy Council and special guests to learn about and discuss using County-owned land at the Johnson County Poor Farm to support farmers, farm conservation, and the community. In addition to presentations from local and regional local foods professionals, the forum will have plenty of opportunities for attendees to share their ideas, including a community visioning process. A delicious, locally-sourced lunch from Iowa City restaurant Devotay is available to attendees who register by Monday, February 2.

Keynote Presenter Karen von Huene is the executive director of Community GroundWorks, a Madison, Wisconsin-based organization that connects individuals to urban agricultural and natural lands within a diverse learning community. Community GroundWorks grows wholesome and organic food for local tables, stewards urban natural areas, inspires healthful eating, and offers hands-on learning opportunities. By teaching what they practice, Community GroundWorks passes on the skills to build enduring communities.

The Johnson County Food Policy Council, created by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, is a volunteer citizen-led group with the purpose of improving dialogue and discussion and providing necessary advice on food and agriculture issues to the County, municipalities, community boards, local agencies, nongovernmental organizations, businesses, and other interested groups.

Anyone with an interest in Johnson County’s local foods movement should attend this forum, including farmers, restaurateurs, environmental groups, municipal officials, students and consumers.

Please contact Mickey Miller, grants and communications specialist for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, at 319-688-8011 or jcfpc@co.johnson.ia.us with any questions.