Letter from the Executive Director

FARE Idaho Members,

Registration for the Field to Fork Festival is now open to everyone—members and non-members alike! This annual celebration of Idaho’s local food system will take place on February 20th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at JUMP Boise. The festival features engaging panels, hands-on cooking classes, and incredible networking opportunities. It’s a chance to connect with producers, chefs, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of local food in our state. Reserve your spot today!

To our members, a heartfelt thank you. Your passion and dedication inspire everything we do at FARE Idaho. Whether you’re in the fields, the kitchen, or connecting with customers, your contributions make Idaho’s local food system thrive. We’re so grateful to have you as part of this vibrant community.

If you’re interested in sponsoring the Field to Fork Festival or supporting FARE Idaho year-round, sponsorship opportunities are available. It’s a great way to connect with Idaho’s food community and showcase your commitment to local. Learn more at fareidaho.org/supportfare, or reach out to us directly—we’d love to work with you!

Let’s make this year’s Field to Fork Festival one to remember!

-Tammie

 

Exhibitor Booth Registration Now Open to Everyone!

Field to Fork Festival Save the Date

Exhibitor Booth registration for the 2025 Field to Fork Festival is now open to everyone in Idaho's independent food and beverage industry!

FARE Idaho’s third annual Field to Fork Festival is more than just a trade fair—it’s a celebration of Idaho’s local food system. From independent growers and producers to restaurants, bars, and beyond, this event brings together everyone who plays a role in supporting local food. The day will feature over 80 exhibitors, chef-led classes, and interactive panel discussions, providing countless opportunities to learn, connect, and grow your business.

Whether you’re a producer, restaurateur, distributor, artisan, or member of a supporting industry, this is your chance to showcase your products or services. You will also receive two complimentary tickets to our exclusive Pre-Festival Industry Reception the night before the big event!

 

FARE Idaho Member Feature: Six Fold Ranch

Six Fold Ranch
As first-generation ranchers, Danyon and Sammi Fontenot of Six Fold Ranch in Fairfield, Idaho have built a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture through years of hard work and dedication. Starting on a small homestead eight years ago, they fell in love with raising their own food and soon became passionate about the Scottish Highland breed.

Their desire to grow their fold and provide consumers with a direct link to where their food comes from led them to expand their operations and embrace sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
 

FARE Idaho is excited to announce its Annual Membership Meeting and Board Elections, scheduled for:

Monday, February 3rd, 2025
1:00 PM Mountain Time / 12:00 PM Pacific Time
Join via Zoom

This important gathering will provide an update on FARE Idaho’s work, an opportunity to engage with fellow members, and the chance to help shape the organization’s future through board elections.

Call for Board Member Applications

Are you passionate about supporting Idaho’s farmers, ranchers, chefs, and food producers? Do you want to help strengthen local food systems? FARE Idaho invites all interested members to apply for a seat on the Board of Directors!

This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your perspective and leadership to our mission of supporting Idaho's food community.

To apply, please submit:

  1. Your name and contact information.
  2.  Your resume and a brief statement about your background and why you’d like to serve on the board.
  3. Whether you are interested in serving on the Executive Committee (e.g., Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer) and, if so, which role you’re most interested in.

Applications are due by Monday, January 13th, 2025. Interviews will follow immediately after the deadline. Please send applications to Tammie at tammie@fareidaho.org.

We encourage all eligible members to consider applying. Your voice matters, and we’re looking for leaders eager to make an impact!Questions? Please reach out to Tammie at tammie@fareidaho.org for more information.

 
Video
From supporting Idaho’s farmers and ranchers to providing a hassle-free way to shop, REKO is building stronger connections between communities and their food.

Want to experience it for yourself? Visit fareidaho.org/reko to learn more and find a Reko Ring near you!
 

Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center Resources to Help Expand Your Business

The Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center is currently offering some fantastic opportunities to help grow Idaho's small and mid-sized food and farm businesses:

Business Builder Grant Program
The Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center is offering Business Builder Grants of $3,000–$15,000 to support small and mid-sized Idaho farms, ranches, and food businesses that strengthen local supply chains. Applications are now open!

Getting Your Recipe to Market
Getting Your Recipe to Market is a 12-week training program designed to help entrepreneurs turn their food ideas into commercial-ready products. Through expert-led sessions, participants learn about product development, marketing, food science, and packaging.

 

Free Resources for Meat Processors

The Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN) is a free, university Extension-based community supporting small meat processors and their partners. They provide tools, technical assistance, and support to processors, farmers, marketers, and buyers, addressing challenges like limited processing capacity, outdated equipment, and regulatory hurdles.

 

Buzzworthy News

 
New Member Graphic

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