Letter from the Executive Director

FARE Idaho Members,

At FARE Idaho, we’re proud to be fierce advocates for Idaho’s independent food community. From our farmers and ranchers to the chefs and restaurateurs who bring local ingredients to life, each of you is part of the legacy that drives our local economy and keeps Idaho’s heritage strong. Together, we’re ensuring that this vibrant food culture will thrive for generations.

Our team is here to support you with resources that make a real difference. From healthcare access through Nice Healthcare, new customer connections with Reko, and the launch of our RFP initiative, FARE Idaho is committed to helping you succeed. Our member portal offers tools tailored for every part of the food community, from the fields to the kitchen.

If you’re not yet a member, now’s a great time to join us. If you’re already a member, we’d love to know how we can help you thrive or hear your interest in joining our board to play a bigger role in shaping our community. Together, we can build a resilient, thriving Idaho food system.

-Tammie

 
Virtual Roundtable: Getting Producers to Market

Join us for FARE Idaho’s Getting Producers to Market Roundtable! This virtual event will explore strategies to boost market access for Idaho producers, with discussions on the current market landscape, overcoming distribution challenges, and insights from retailers, co-ops, and restaurants.

This roundtable is a FARE Idaho Members Only Event - one of the many perks of being a FARE Idaho member!

Wednesday, November 20

10am-12pm MST via Zoom

Agenda Highlights:

  • Market access for Idaho producers
  • Distribution and logistics solutions
  • Perspectives from retailers and restaurants
  • Business and marketing strategies

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and collaborate on strengthening Idaho’s local food network!

 

Give Thanks with Local Flavors

Support local farmers this holiday season by choosing a pasture-raised, sustainably grown turkey from Idaho’s own producers! With convenient pickup options and a focus on high-quality, non-GMO, soy-free feed, these local farms have everything you need for a memorable holiday meal.

  • Hess Acres
    Middleton, Idaho | 208-880-9734 | hess2589@gmail.com
    • Pasture raised and finished with fresh fruit.
    • Women & Veteran owned business
    • Call, text, or email to place order. Available for pickup November 19 & 20.
  • McIntyre Pastures
    mcintyrepastures.com | 208-869-4306

    • On-farm retail store open weekdays 9-5, Saturday 9-3
    • Several neighborhood pickup sites throughout the Treasure Valley including both Boise Co-op locations!
    • Pasture-raised, rotationally grazed, soy-free, non-GMO. Flash frozen.
  • Hen and Hare Microfarm
    henandhare.com/turkey

    • Pre-order online, pick up at the farm in South Boise
    • Pasture-raised, corn- and soy-free. $7.25/lb

Looking for a unique and delicious alternative to turkey this holiday season? Consider ostrich from American Ostrich Farms! This lean red meat tastes like beef, is high in iron, low in cholesterol, and is even a great option for those with Alpha Gal Syndrome.

 

2024 Resilient Food Systems – Exploring the Solutions

We had an insightful day on the FARE Idaho State Leadership Tour with key Idaho legislators and community leaders, including representatives from Senator Jim Risch and Senator Mike Crapo's offices, Idaho District 22 Senator Lori Den Hartog, Idaho District 22 Representative John Vander Woude, and Idaho District 12 Representative Jeff Cornilles. Joining us was also Rachael Dickerson from the University of Idaho Parma Extension.

At each stop, we dove into vital issues impacting Idaho’s food system:
  • Northwest Premium Meats: Discussed workforce challenges in USDA meat processing and the importance of supporting small producers.
  • Hipwell Ranch: Explored local market access for small ranchers and the role of community-based packing plants.
  • Telaya Wine Co: Talked about winery regulations, tasting room operations, and the economic benefits of agritourism.
  • McIntyre Pastures: Focused on scaling up small producers, land access, and distribution cost challenges.
  • Diablo & Sons: Engaged in dialogue on labor laws, tip taxes, and restaurant sourcing challenges.
Thank you to everyone who joined to make this tour a success, and to each business for hosting and sharing your insights!
 

Connecting Restaurants with Local Producers

Video

FARE Idaho's Executive Director, Tammie Halcomb, recently appeared on KTVB's Idaho Today to discuss our new Restaurant to Producer Request for Proposal (RFP) Initiative. This program aims to connect Idaho restaurants with local producers, creating stronger, more direct pathways from farm to fork.

Tammie highlighted the importance of this initiative for supporting Idaho’s local food economy and ensuring that fresh, locally sourced ingredients make it onto more menus across the state, strengthening both the agricultural and culinary communities.

 

2025 Field to Fork Festival: Exhibitor Registration Now Open for FARE Idaho Members!

Exhibitor Booth registration for the 2025 Field to Fork Festival is now open for FARE Idaho Members!

Be part of the third annual Field to Fork Festival on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at JUMP Boise! This interactive trade fair is an incredible chance for independent growers, producers, and food industry partners to connect and showcase their offerings. 

Interested in sponsoring? Email us at hello@fareidaho.org to learn more.

 

Idaho Business Builder Grant Opportunities

The Northwest & Rocky Mountain Regional Business Center is offering grants from $3,000 to $15,000 to help small and mid-sized businesses in Idaho strengthen local food supply chains and bring locally produced food into local markets. Eligible applicants must benefit at least two entities in the local food system and identify as a farm, ranch, fish/seafood business, value-added food business, food processor, aggregator, or distributor. Learn more and apply today!

FARE Idaho Members: Be sure to check the forums on your Membership InfoHub account for even more grant opportunities! The InfoHub offers exclusive resources and details on funding sources specifically for Idaho's food and agriculture industries. Don’t miss out on this valuable member benefit to help grow your business and connect with the community!
 

Buzzworthy News

 
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Enjoying our newsletter but not yet a FARE Idaho member? Membership helps support our work and gives you access to lots of great member benefits. Join us today!

 

Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors!

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