Kane County Farm Bureau offers events, opportunities for farmers

Submitted by Kane County Farm Bureau

On Nov. 8, 55 local farmers spent the day at the Kane County Farm Bureau during the first “Meet the Buyer” event held in Kane County.

Buyers presented information on their business, what types of products they source locally and how they facilitate that with farmers. Then they met privately with farmers to talk business. Approximately 150 business meetings took place in just six hours.

One farmer described the event as a little like speed-dating.

Buyers represented nine retail outlets including Duke’s Alehouse, Meijer, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Soup to Nuts, Chicago Local Foods, Mariano’s, Shop N Save, Chicago Food Cooperative and Fresh Moves.

Janice Hill, executive planner for Kane County and manager of the Farmland Protection Program, told farmers about Growing for Kane local food ordinance. She welcomed farmers to express their interest in supplying their wares through local outlets by completing a short questionnaire, which can be found at “Growing for Kane Program Interest Form” at kanecounty.org. Visit the county’s farming and local foods blog at www.foodandfarmskc.org.

Farmers and buyers interested in learning about future events and opportunities are encouraged to contact Kane County Farm Bureau at (630) 584-8660 or info@kanecfb.com.

Kane County Farm Bureau is a nonprofit membership association serving members, local agricultural producers and Kane County communities since 1912. Visit www.kanecfb.com or like “Kane County Farm Bureau” on Facebook.