FarmLink: Will America Farm in the Future? February 18, 2008

CITY FRESH MONDAYS
A monthly gathering of folks that want to learn, dialogue, and collaborate around issues of food, health, community development, and the environment. Hosted by the New Agrarian Center and the Great Lakes Brewing Company. Held the third Monday of every month in the Great Lakes Brewing Company Cellar.



NEXT GATHERING!

Monday, February 18, 2008
Topic: FarmLink: Will America Farm in the Future?
Facilitators: Chris Norman, Cuyahoga Countryside Conservancy & Farmland Center
Participants: Lisa Cortese, Urban Land Owner
Mark Mackovjak, Geauga County Farm for sale, partnership
Kathy Gatto, Lorain County Farm for sale
Judith McMillan, Lorain property for long-term lease
Mathias Moyer, Beginning Farmer
Nick Preneta, Beginning Farmer
Description: The average age of the farmer in Lorain County is 59. In 2000, we conducted interviews of farmers around Lorain County, and most recognized that they lacked heirs to continue their farms. Who will be producing food 10 years from now? How do we begin to prepare the next generation of farmers in Northeast Ohio? Can cities help to incubate future farmers through urban agriculture? Learn about the FarmLink which connects farmers or landowners with people that are looking to farm. Come brainstorm and discuss the future of food in our region while enjoying some of our own best local brew! Additional information to include farm financing, farm business transfer, entrepreneurial farming guides, and information about the Countryside Conservancy.
Schedule: 6:00-6:45 Meet and enjoy snacks, refreshments
6:45-7:00 Multi-media presentation on farming
7:00-7:45 Discussion of farm link
7:45-8:00 Social networking, collaborating, and imbibing
Location: Great Lakes Brewing Company, Basement beer cellar
2516 Market Ave, Cleveland 44113
Next Up: Adaptive Re-Use of Old Urban Buildings for Local Food. Students from Cleveland State University share their ideas for a project in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood.
Forum Ideas: Would you like to host or facilitate a forum? Is there a topic that you would like to suggest? Please contact brad@gotthenac.org with ideas!
Light refreshments featuring locally raised foods will be available as well as cash bar.