We Advocate for Independents.

Momentum is Building Across Idaho

The energy from last week’s Sun Valley mixer is still lingering. It was one of those nights that remind you why gathering matters. New members joined, fresh connections were made, and the conversation was collaborative in the best way. We’re already talking about a Q1 mixer, so keep that on your radar if you missed this one.

Field to Fork is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be our biggest and best yet. The response from vendors, sponsors, and partners has been incredible, and the excitement is contagious.

FARE Idaho is built on connection, and that connection is what keeps this work meaningful. I can’t wait to see everyone at Field to Fork and to carry this energy into what’s next.

Tammie Halcomb
Executive Director - FARE Idaho

Idaho’s independent food system thrives when we come together, and Field to Fork is where it happens.

On February 12 at JUMP Boise, FARE Idaho will host our most significant gathering of farmers, ranchers, producers, chefs, retailers, distributors, and food lovers. It’s more than a festival - it’s a statewide celebration of collaboration, connection, and local pride.

For vendors, Field to Fork is an unmatched opportunity to showcase your products, connect with buyers, and build relationships that strengthen your business year-round. This is where meaningful conversations happen, partnerships form, and Idaho-grown products reach new markets.

For the community, it’s a chance to meet the people behind the food, learn more about how local sourcing supports our economy, and discover the incredible quality and diversity grown right here in Idaho.

Learn More & Register

Join us in celebrating the people and partnerships that make
Idaho’s food system thrive.

Join Us for Our Quarterly Roundtable Discussion

You’re invited to a collaborative, solutions-focused roundtable with some of Idaho’s leading voices in family business transition, land legacy, market expansion, policy, and workforce development.

This conversation is designed for business owners, farm families, and their advisors who are navigating what’s next, whether that’s passing on the business, preparing for sale, scaling up, or solving workforce needs.

We’ll dig into topics like:

Succession planning & next-generation leadership: What really works and what to avoid?
Preparing for sale or new ownership: Steps to ensure a successful transition.
Scaling up or expanding into new markets: Strategies for growth and what to watch for.
Policy updates & legal landscape: Key things to know, including Idaho’s new APA legislation.
Workforce and talent pipelines: Leveraging new and existing programs (featuring insights from the Idaho Veterans Chamber’s new farmer workforce initiative).
Family dynamics & business realities: Tools for navigating the human side of transition.
Land, conservation, and tax considerations: How to ensure your business and land legacy lasts.

Roundtable participants:

Savannah Suttle, MAMFT. Founder & Principal Strategist, Schema
Braden Jensen, Government Affairs, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
David Anderson, Director of Governmental Affairs, American Farmland Trust
Laurel Martin, Business Growth & Market Expansion Consultant - Growing Wild Consulting
Mindi Anderson, Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce (Veteran Workforce & Farm Labor Programs)

Who should attend:
Business owners, farming and ranching families, and advisors thinking about succession, scaling, sale, or staffing.

>> Free and open to all members

>> Wednesday, Nov 5th // 11 am – 12:30 pm MT

>> Email Tammie at tammie@fareidaho.org to reserve your seat

Sun Valley Mixer Brings Together Idaho’s Food Community

Last week’s networking mixer at the Sun Valley Culinary Institute was everything we hoped these gatherings would be: lively, collaborative, and full of new connections. We gained new members, watched introductions turn into real conversations, and left with the sense that momentum is building across the state.

A big thank you to Sun Valley Mustard and Boise River Lamb for donating the food, to Ballard Cheese for the generous discount, and to 3100 Cellars and Rolling Hills Vineyard for sharing their wines with everyone. The talk in the room wasn’t just about business; it was about ideas, opportunities, and what we can build together.

If you missed it, don’t worry, more of these are coming. You’ll want to be in the room for the next one!

For nearly two decades, The Modern Hotel & Bar has been a cornerstone of Boise’s independent food, beverage, and hospitality scene. What began as a 1960s Travelodge was transformed into a boutique hotel and bar that celebrates local ingredients, creative mixology, and Idaho’s modern spirit.

Now, The Modern is preparing for a new era as it seeks new ownership—offering a rare opportunity to continue its legacy of innovation and community connection. The property includes the hotel, restaurant, and bar, each deeply rooted in Boise’s vibrant, independent culture.

FARE Idaho celebrates The Modern’s long-standing commitment to local collaboration and its role in shaping Boise’s culinary identity.

Learn more about its history, design, and future at themodernhotel.com.

Catalina Garlic Co. grows more than garlic; they grow connection, joy, and purpose.

What started as a simple love of gourmet cooking became a bold leap of faith for the Engebretsen family. After falling in love with heirloom garlic and building friendships at their local garlic festival, they planted more than they ever imagined and discovered a deeper calling.

Named after their youngest daughter, Catalina—spicy, joyful, and full of life— Everything we grow and create is inspired by that same energy: vibrant and just a little bit wild. From bold, fresh heirloom bulbs to sweet, rich black garlic, every product is handcrafted with care and intention.

Garlic became their way to nourish others, build community, and share something meaningful. It’s not just a crop. It’s part of who they are.

You can find Catalina Garlic & Co.’s products at:

>> Sandpoint Farmers Market

>> Local pop-ups and festivals (check Instagram for updates)

>> Direct from their online shop catalinagarlic.com

Want to support Idaho’s independent food system and family-run farms like Catalina Garlic & Co.? Contact us at hello@fareidaho.org.

Purdy Family Keeps Picabo Ranch Vibrant Through Hard Work & Innovation - 5B Gazette

The Purdy family continues to keep Picabo Ranch vibrant through a balance of tradition and innovation, using sustainable grazing practices, technology, and deep community roots to strengthen their multi-generational operation in the Wood River Valley.

Updated Federal Wage Rule for Agricultural Workers - National Archives

The U.S. Department of Labor has updated how it calculates the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for non-range agricultural jobs under the H-2A program, which sets the minimum pay for both H-2A and similarly employed U.S. workers.

From Idaho to the World: Exports on the Rise - IBR

Idaho’s agricultural and food industries—from wheat and barley to wine, dairy, and hops—are seeing growing success in international markets, as state trade missions and circular-economy strategies help local businesses expand their global footprint.

Big water year needed in parts of Idaho - Capital Press

Although northern Idaho may enjoy a strong water year ahead, much of east and south-central Idaho is still facing unusually low reservoir levels, placing added pressure on irrigation-reliant farms and the broader food system.

Great Harvest, Tight Wallets: Why Idaho Farmers Are Still Struggling - REDI

Despite record yields, Idaho farmers are facing declining net incomes due to sharply rising input costs like fertilizer, fuel, and labor, which may impact local food producers, supply chains, and the broader ag-based economy.

Photo tour: Immersive, unique Mexican cantina with ‘hidden moments’ set to open in Eagle - BoiseDev

A new Mexican cantina called Lalo is opening in Eagle on October 28, 2025, designed by a local restaurant team aiming to create an immersive guest experience that blends culture, craft cocktails, and dining.

Loving what you see in our newsletter?

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

Become a FARE Idaho 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.