As the year comes to a close, I keep coming back to how much we have built together. It has been a year of showing up, taking risks, and turning good ideas into real things.

The Foodport came to life in Caldwell and proved what can happen when we give people a space to gather around food. Field to Fork Sandpoint reminded us that connection looks different in every corner of Idaho, and it matters everywhere. Field to Fork Boise once again brought together hundreds of farmers, chefs, ranchers, retailers, and community members, continuing to grow into one of the most anticipated events of the year. Each one of these efforts strengthened the network that keeps Idaho’s food system thriving.

At the same time, we have been hard at work preparing for the 2026 legislative session, collaborating with partners across the state to make sure food and agriculture remain front and center in policy conversations. That work will carry forward into the new year.

Looking ahead, Field to Fork Boise 2026 is right around the corner in February, and it is shaping up to be another incredible celebration of the people who grow, raise, craft, and serve Idaho’s food.

Thank you for being part of this work and for continuing to believe in what we are building together. Here’s to rest, reflection, and another year of progress ahead.
 

New Year, New Connections — at CopenRoss

Start 2026 with connection and collaboration! Join FARE Idaho and the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce for our first Open House event of the year on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at CopenRoss Crafthouse & Grill in Boise.

This relaxed networking event brings together community leaders, business owners, agency partners, and employers from across Idaho’s food, beverage, and veteran communities. It’s a chance to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and kick off the new year with renewed energy and purpose.

Enjoy great local bites and beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), connect with industry peers, and support CopenRoss, a proud veteran-owned establishment.

>> Wednesday, January 14, 2026
>> 4:00–6:00 p.m.
>> CopenRoss Crafthouse & Grill

Let’s raise a glass to another year of collaboration, community, and growth across Idaho’s independent food, beverage, and agriculture sectors.
 

Be Part of Idaho’s Biggest Local Food Gathering

Field to Fork returns February 12 at JUMP Boise, bringing together the full spectrum of Idaho’s independent food system — farmers, ranchers, producers, processors, chefs, retailers, distributors, and industry supporters. It’s the one day each year when our statewide network comes together to make connections, spark collaborations, and celebrate the incredible food grown and crafted in Idaho.

If you are a vendor, chef, buyer, or industry partner, this is the place to be.

Field to Fork is where new relationships take shape, wholesale opportunities open, and Idaho-grown products reach new audiences. Vendors have the chance to showcase their best to both consumers and industry decision makers, while chefs and buyers can discover new producers and build partnerships that last far beyond the event.

Vendor registration is open now, and this year’s festival is already building strong momentum. Secure your booth and join us for a day that fuels business growth, strengthens community, and shines a spotlight on Idaho’s independent food economy.

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

If you are looking for somewhere meaningful and affordable to spend your end-of-year donation, look no further than the $250 Sponsor a Vendor opportunity for Field to Fork Boise 2026.

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 us for our Quarterly Legislative Affairs Meeting, where we discuss key legislative issues impacting our industries. This meeting is open to all members, stakeholders, and community partners who are passionate about the topics shaping our local food, beverage, and agricultural sectors.

During this session, we will cover current policy developments, upcoming legislative opportunities, and ways we can advocate together for positive change. Whether you are deeply involved in legislative advocacy or simply want to stay informed about what's happening at the state and local levels, this is the perfect opportunity to engage, share your perspective, and connect with others in our community.

Your voice is important, and we look forward to your input as we work toward policies that support a vibrant and resilient food economy.

 >> January 21, 2026

 >> 10am - 11am

 >> Virtual Meeting

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

Mad House Farms Microgreens— Meridian, Idaho

Mark your calendars for Monday, February 2 at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom for our Annual Meeting. This is our chance to share highlights from the past year, talk about what’s ahead for 2026, and connect with members across the state.

If you would like to join us, please email tammie@fareidaho.org and I will send you the calendar invite with the Zoom link.

We are also looking to add new voices to our Board of Directors, especially those who are food producers and those located in eastern Idaho. If you are passionate about strengthening Idaho’s food and beverage community and want to help guide FARE’s work, we would love to hear from you. Send a short letter of interest to tammie@fareidaho.org.

We hope you will join us as we reflect, plan, and keep building what’s next for Idaho’s food system.
 

Mad House Farms Microgreens— Meridian, Idaho

Mad House Farms is a year-round hydroponic microgreens farm bringing fresh, nutrient-dense greens directly to homes, chefs, and local businesses across the Treasure Valley. Their mission is rooted in healthy food, sustainable growing practices, and making fresh local produce accessible every week of the year.

Each crop is grown in clean, soil-free systems using organic coir substrate and recycled water, ensuring consistent quality with minimal environmental impact. Every Thursday, the team harvests a new batch of vibrant microgreens, and every Friday they deliver them straight to customers’ doors — making it one of the easiest ways to access fresh local greens in Idaho.

Their offerings range from familiar favorites like broccoli, arugula, kale, and sunflower to more unique varieties and specialty blends. Microgreens deliver concentrated nutrition and bold flavor, making them a popular choice for home cooks and chefs looking to elevate their dishes with fresh, Idaho-grown ingredients.

Mad House Farms embodies what we celebrate at FARE Idaho: independent producers who prioritize transparency, sustainability, and community connection. The best way to support them is to order directly through their weekly delivery program, which provides reliable access to high-quality local food year-round.

Learn more about their offerings and how to order at mad-house-farms.com
 

Harvest & Hearth Event Announced – Ada County Soil & Water Conservation District

The Ada County Soil District will host its Harvest & Hearth event on February 13, bringing community members together for hands-on learning, demonstrations, and resources focused on soil health, conservation, and local agriculture.

USDA Expands Crop Insurance Access for Farmers and Ranchers – USDA

The USDA has announced expanded crop insurance options designed to strengthen the farm safety net, improving access and flexibility for producers and ranchers facing increasing climate and market pressures.

Idaho Makes Great Wine, and This Producer Is Leading the Charge  – Food & Wine

Food & Wine highlights Idaho as an emerging powerhouse for sparkling wine, recognizing the state’s cool climate, high-elevation vineyards, and talented winemakers whose bottles now rival top producers nationwide.

Idaho Farmers Face Steep Losses as Crop Prices Plunge – Idaho Business Review

Farmers across Idaho are seeing net income fall sharply over the past two years as record-high input costs — fertilizer, fuel, seed — collide with collapsing crop prices, squeezing farms statewide.

Dairy-Anchored Idaho CAFE Project Wins Federal Support – Capital Press

A new dairy-anchored center for food, agriculture, and environment near Rupert has secured federal funding, marking a boost for Idaho’s protein producers, dairy infrastructure, and value-added processing capacity.

“Farmers Are Price Takers, Not Price Makers,” Growers Warn After Strong Harvest – KIFI / Local News 8

Although Idaho saw a productive growing season, many local growers say commodity prices remain below their cost of production — underscoring the economic squeeze faced by small and mid-size farms statewide.

 

Business Education Series - Buy Idaho

"Navigating Numbers: Business Financial Readiness Made Simple" - December 17th, 2025. 
 
 

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