The new year is here, and it already feels like a big one. There is momentum everywhere with new ideas, new faces, and a growing sense that Idaho’s food system is building something powerful together.

We are kicking things off with our Networking Night at Copenross Growlers on January 14th from 4-6pm. It'll be an evening to connect, meet new people, and swap ideas over good food and local drinks. These gatherings always remind me how strong this community really is when we take the time to show up for each other.

Then, on February 2nd at 2:00 p.m., we will host our Annual Meeting via Zoom. This is our time to share what we have built together, look ahead at what is next, and welcome new board members who are ready to help lead the charge into 2026. If you have been thinking about getting involved, this is your moment. The deadline to submit a letter of interest is January 25, and you can send it to me at tammie@fareidaho.org.

And then it all leads to Field to Fork Boise on February 12. The event that started as a bold idea has grown into one of the most meaningful gatherings in Idaho’s food and beverage community. It is where producers, buyers, chefs, and neighbors come together to talk, taste, and build the relationships that make local food work. The deadline to sign up as a vendor is Monday, January 12, so if you have not reserved your space yet, now is the time.

It is a big start to the year and a big movement we are building together. Thank you for being part of it, for showing up, and for helping create a food system that connects and sustains Idaho.

Here is to a strong start, a full year, and the good work ahead.
 

New Year, Fresh Connections at CopenRoss

Kick off 2026 by gathering with Idaho’s food, beverage, and veteran communities. FARE Idaho and the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce invite you to our first Open House of the year on Wednesday, January 14 at CopenRoss Crafthouse & Grill in Boise.

This casual, come-as-you-are networking event is designed to bring together community leaders, business owners, agency partners, and employers from across the state. It is a chance to reconnect after the holidays, spark new conversations, and build relationships that carry momentum into the year ahead.

Guests will enjoy local bites and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, while supporting CopenRoss, a veteran-owned establishment that exemplifies community-driven hospitality.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026
4:00–6:00 p.m.

CopenRoss Crafthouse & Grill

We hope you will join us to start the year grounded in connection, collaboration, and shared purpose.
 

Now is the moment to secure your place at Idaho’s largest gathering of the independent food community.

Field to Fork returns February 12 at JUMP Boise, bringing together farmers, ranchers, producers, processors, chefs, retailers, distributors, buyers, and service partners from across the state. Once a year, Idaho’s food system comes together in one room to connect, learn, and build relationships that extend well beyond the festival.

For vendors, Field to Fork offers meaningful exposure and direct access to chefs, buyers, and decision makers actively sourcing Idaho grown and Idaho made products. It is a chance to tell your story, showcase your work, and take part in conversations shaping the future of our local food economy.

This year’s festival is already building strong momentum, with engaging panels, chef led classes, Buyer’s Hour, and all day networking designed to support collaboration and business growth across the industry. Vendors play a critical role in what makes Field to Fork impactful for both the industry and the broader community.

Field to Fork is also for those who support and rely on Idaho’s food system. Industry professionals, hospitality leaders, policymakers, and food advocates are invited to join us to strengthen connections, discover new products, and better understand the people and partnerships behind Idaho’s food economy.


Vendor registration closes Monday, January 12, 2026.

If you have been considering participating, this is your opportunity to be part of Idaho’s most influential food system gathering of the year.

Let’s gather, connect, and make this Field to Fork our strongest year yet.

If you are looking for somewhere meaningful and affordable to support our local food system, look no further than the $250 Sponsor a Vendor opportunity for Field to Fork Boise.

Your support helps a farmer, rancher, or food producer participate in the event by covering their booth cost, giving them a chance to share their work and connect directly with buyers, chefs, and community members. It is a simple way to make a real impact and ensure that Field to Fork represents the full range of Idaho’s food community.

 

Sponsor a vendor here

Learn more about Field to Fork Boise 2026

Your generosity helps bring more local voices to the table and keeps Idaho’s food system thriving.
 

Member Perk: Stay at The Modern and Save

FARE Idaho members and vendors can book a room at The Modern anytime and receive 25% off their stay. Use promo code FARE when booking at themodernhotel.com, or use the direct link below.

Guests can also enroll in The Modern’s cash-back rewards program, powered by The Guestbook, and earn up to 15 percent cash rewards on direct bookings.

Direct booking 

Rewards program sign-up
 

Join our friends at the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce for a hands-on 3-day workshop designed to equip business owners in the food and agriculture industry with essential marketing strategies to grow their business, increase sales, and strengthen their brand.

Business Owners will be provided practical tools, expert-led training, and collaborative peer learning to help navigate the ever-changing landscape of food and farm business marketing. This program is open to all.

 January 21-23, 2026

Days 1 & 2: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm // Day 3: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

 University of Idaho (remote available)
 

Join FARE Idaho for our next Quarterly Legislative Affairs Meeting, a space for open conversation about the policy issues shaping Idaho’s food, beverage, and agricultural industries. This meeting is open to members, partners, and community stakeholders who want to stay informed and engaged.

The session will focus on recent legislative activity, upcoming policy discussions, and opportunities to advocate together in support of a strong and resilient food economy. Whether you are actively involved in policy work or simply want a clearer picture of what is happening at the state and local level, this meeting offers a valuable opportunity to listen, learn, and contribute.

Your perspective matters, and these conversations help guide our collective efforts to support independent businesses, producers, and communities across Idaho.

 January 21, 2026

 10am - 11am

 Virtual Meeting
Email Tammie at Tammie@FAREidaho.org for the zoom link.
 

Join us Monday, February 2 at 2:00 p.m. for FARE Idaho’s Annual Meeting, held virtually via Zoom. This annual gathering brings together members from across the state to reflect on the past year, share key milestones, and look ahead to the priorities shaping Idaho’s food and beverage community in 2026.

This meeting is also an open invitation to step more deeply into FARE Idaho’s work. We are actively seeking new voices to join our Board of Directors, with a particular interest in food producers and leaders based in eastern Idaho. If you care about the future of Idaho’s independent food system and want to help guide policy, connection, and advocacy efforts statewide, this is a meaningful way to get involved.

To attend the meeting, please email tammie@fareidaho.org and you will receive a calendar invite with the Zoom link.

Those interested in board service are encouraged to send a brief letter of interest to the same email address.

We hope you’ll join us to connect, contribute, and help shape what’s next for Idaho’s food system.
 

BoiseDev Eats: 2025 Local Restaurant Openings & Highlights – BoiseDev

BoiseDev’s year-end Eats roundup highlights 17 new restaurant openings, chef stories, and food concepts that shaped the Treasure Valley’s vibrant dining scene throughout 2025.

 

Another Beloved Boise Restaurant Is Closing Its Doors – LITE Online

Zee’s Rooftop Café in downtown Boise, a beloved local restaurant that served sandwiches, salads, and weekly taco nights, closed after more than a decade in operation, reflecting ongoing shifts in the local dining landscape.

 

Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Viability Draws Hundreds in Boise – Idaho Farm Bureau

Hundreds of landowners, agribusiness leaders, conservationists, and policymakers gathered at the Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Viability to explore solutions for balancing rapid growth with the needs of Idaho’s agricultural economy.

 

Idaho Ag Exports Strengthened Through Vietnam Trade Mission – Idaho Business Review

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture led a trade mission to Vietnam with state officials and local producers, expanding market opportunities for dairy, hay, potatoes, wheat, and other Idaho agricultural products abroad.

 

Record Idaho Farm Cash Receipts Driven by Livestock Growth – KMVT / KSVT

Idaho’s agriculture sector is projected to reach a record $12.1 billion in cash receipts for 2025, with livestock and beef leading growth even as many crop producers face economic pressures.

 

Farm & Food System Fellowship Program – Farmworker Justice

The Farmworker Justice Farm & Food System Fellowship offers emerging leaders a paid opportunity to gain hands-on experience in advocacy, policy, and food system equity while supporting the rights and well-being of farmworkers across the country.

 

Agriculture Summit Highlights Pressures On Industry, From Farmland Loss To Rising Costs – Idaho Press

Idaho agriculture leaders gathered at a recent summit to discuss the mounting challenges facing the industry, including farmland loss, rising costs, and what it means for the future of food production. .
 
 

Loving what you see in our newsletter?

Take the next step and join FARE Idaho as a member.

Your support helps strengthen Idaho’s local food system,

and in return you’ll gain access to exclusive resources, connections,

and benefits designed to help your business and community thrive.
 

This email was sent on behalf of FARE Idaho located at PO Box 7225 , Boise, ID 83707. To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email contact FARE Idaho at {{TCEmailAddress}}.
This email was sent on behalf of FARE Idaho located at PO Box 7225, Boise, ID 83707. To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email contact FARE Idaho at {{TCEmailAddress}}.