The Farmer Chef Connection
The Farmer Chef Connection was founded by the first Slow Food WiSE Leaders, Deb Deacon and Jack Kaestner. Patterned after Portland's very successful effort of the same name, the first meeting in 2004 brought together farmers and chefs to begin establishing working relationships which have resulted in an increase in both the supply and demand for locally grown food.
Now a fully funded program presently under the auspices of UWExtention, and a Slow Food WiSE project, the Connection is able to help sustain the momentum of these relationships while facilitating new ones.
The result is a unique and powerful connection between farmer and chef, healthier ingredients available for purchase, and improved sustainability of agricultural practices as well as a strengthened local economy.
The Farmer Chef Connection focuses on the education of both the farmer and the chef, bringing together the field and plate. Farmers receive information and advice for marketing their products; chefs learn to manage the logistics of distribution and production volume.
The "Local Food Guide" serves as the biannual publication of area farms and markets for chefs and buyers and includes tips on planning, delivery, communication, and seasonal availability.
Please visit the Calendar for Farmer Chef Connection events.
To get involved, or for more information about Farmer Chef Connection, please contact farmerchef@slowfoodwise.org