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9th Annual Farmer-Chef Connection

We attended Portland’s 9th annual Farmer Chef Connection put on by the Portland Chef’s Collaborative on March 9th, 2009. The event was an opportunity to meet new colleagues and connect with folks we have briefly met before or merely communicated with over less personal mediums.

The keynote speaker was Brent Foster, an environmental attorney speaking about the dangers of the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipelines in the state of Oregon.

There were several workshops held throughout the day – we found Innovative Ideas for Marketing Local Products in an Economic Downturn, moderated by Jaret Foster of the Portland Farmers Market, to be most pertinent.

Before a delicious lunch prepared from meat and produce donated by local farmers, we participated in what can be described as ‘speed dating’ for farmers and chefs. We were able to connect with farmers, winemakers and entrepreneurs who grow produce, herbs, raise chickens, livestock, run dairies, grow grapes and make wines, and those who make vinegars and blend teas.

We were able to source many ingredients as well as talk with farmers who are happy to plant their crops based on our needs throughout the year. Overall this was a successful event that has opened up doors to fruitful business relationships.

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