Knoxville Grower-Buyer Meeting Presented by the Knox Good Food Fund
About this Event
Are you a local farmer, rancher, or food producer looking to grow your wholesale sales in East Tennessee? Join us for an exclusive FREE networking event structured specifically to help regional growers build direct commercial relationships with local buyers.
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and connect with chefs, restaurant owners, grocery managers, and institutional food services actively seeking local supply. You will gain insight into upcoming purchasing needs, pitch your seasonal availability, and establish direct distribution partnerships for the coming year.
Who Should Attend:
- Produce farmers, fruit growers, and row crop operations
- Livestock ranchers, dairy producers, and egg suppliers
- Specialty, artisanal, and value-added agrucultural creators ready for wholesale expansion
Thank You to Our Partners
- United Way of Greater Knoxville
- Real Good Kitchen Foundation
- Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC)
- Nourish Knoxville
- Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project
- Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee
- Teaming to Educate for Agrigultural Mastery (TEAM)
- UT Center for Profitable Agriculture
- UT Extension
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM
Doors Open
Info: Networking and Coffee
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
Breakfast & Welcome
🕑: 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Grower-Buyer Meeting & Meet the Experts
Info: This is a chance for farmers and producers to introduce themselves to grocers, distributors, and chefs and discuss products and potential interest. There are no promises made and no contracts signed; it’s just a chance to open a door and follow up later. For growers who are just getting started, this is a great opportunity to learn about individual buyer requirements. We will also have experts on site who can provide guidance on things like marketing, social media, Dept of Ag requirements, food safety, and more.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 01:00 PM
Focus Groups - Optional
Info: Following the Grower-Buyer Meeting, Nourish Knoxville will host an optional facilitated discussion for growers/food producers and buyers from 1:45am–1:00 p.m. This time will provide an opportunity to share your experiences, challenges, and ideas related to buying and selling local food.
If you are interested, please:
1) indicate your interest in the registration form.
2) be on the lookout for a brief survey soon that will inform discussion topics.
The facilitated discussions will inform planned enhancements to the East Tennessee Local Food Guide, as well as regional local food networking and promotional opportunities aimed at highlighting local food stories and making local food easier to discover and purchase. Lunch will be provided.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
