Enhancing Local Food Systems: Exploring the Research, What Works, and What We Need to Learn will bring together researchers, Extension educators, and others to explore the scientific research base relating to local food systems. Together, we will explore the opportunities and challenges inherent in promoting and evaluating local foods as a critical component of an enhanced food system and as a vehicle for rural community and economic development in the Northeast. First and foremost, our goal will be to look critically at what we know, what we need to know, and what we can do as a region, through emerging opportunities for collaboration across disciplinary and institutional bounds.

The goals of this workshop are threefold: 1) to provide an extensive opportunity for shared-learning and exploration related to the scientific research base on a wide range of local foods and local food system development strategies and activities-what works, what does not, and what more we need to know; 2) to provide networking opportunities for researchers, Extension professionals, and others working to enhance local and regional food systems, and 3) to identify emerging information, program, and research priorities and develop a set of options for addressing these issues across the region.

A block of rooms has been reserved, for the nights of May 18 and 19, at the Hudson Valley Resort at the rate of $92.00/night (plus tax). To reserve a room call (888) 948-3766 and mention NERCRD meeting. The cut-off date for making reservations is April 13, 2009.

Workshop Sponsors		Resort information is available at:
		http://www.hudsonvalleyresort.com/