The initial element of a grant awarded to Lake County Health Services by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is a Food Summit scheduled for March 15, 2010. The Health Leadership Network will be coordinating the grant's scope of work, including the Food Summit.
Secretary of California's Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) A.G. Kawamura will be in attendance to deliver opening remarks about the future of specialty crop farming in the state and participate in a panel discussion about the health, economic, and culinary benefits of specialty crops.
All CDFA grant projects focus on improved health by increasing consumption and consequent production of Lake County specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined by CDFA as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. Specialty crops do not include eggs, grains, or dairy and does not distinguish between organic and non organic methods.
The Lake County Food Summit kicks off the grant work plan that includes expanding the local farm to school/institution program, coordinating efforts to connect a "buy local" campaign wtih a food system that optimizes consumer nutrition, and expanding local markets for local specialty crop farm products, including an online food ordering system.
Specialty crop farmers and commercial/institutional consumers (schools, restaurants, grocery stores, etc.) are being asked to save the date. If you'd like to receive updates about the Food Summit, please send an email to:
