NIC asks to fund joint classes with Spokane Community College

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture and Rural Roots are bringing two educational programs for the food industry to Sandpoint.

The "Farmer/Chef Collaborative" is a networking event to help connect local farmers and ranchers with local chefs to encourage the use of locally grown food. Even though most people consider freshness to be the most important measure of food quality, the average meal travels 1,500 miles from field to fork. This networking opportunity will be a chance chefs and producers to get together and compare notes.

The Farmer/Chef Collaborative will be held in Sandpoint on Jan. 29 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Best Western Edgewater Resort. Lunch will be included and the fee is a modest $10. A similar event will be held at the Coeur d'Alene Resort on Jan. 28.

Specialty food producers will benefit from "Building and Promoting Your Food Business: Creating a Marketing Plan", to be presented at the Bonner Business Center on January 29 from 6-8:30 p.m.

A sound business plan is as important as an excellent product in the specialty food business. This workshop will cover market analysis, strategic planning, pricing, distribution, and cost analysis. Attendees will learn about selecting and distributing at trade shows, and will leave with a handful of material to help them put their new knowledge right to work.

Registration is $18, $10 for each additional person from the same company.

For information or to register, call the Bonner Business Center at 263-4073.