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Agricultural Tourism Conference 2026

  • Friday, March 20, 2026, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Workshops for Farmers, Chefs, and Food Professionals to Strengthen Regional Food Partnerships

Join us for a FREE half-day conference from 9am-1pm at The Arnold House. 

Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.

Registration is required.


Track #1- Geared for chefs, restaurant owners, and food service managers

Workshop #1: “From Farm to Fork: How to Source Locally and Seasonally”

Teacher: working with SUNY Sullivan Culinary Program

Topics:

  • Understanding local farm production cycles and seasonality
  • How to build relationships with local farmers
  • Ordering systems, delivery logistics, and communication best practice
  • Benefits of sourcing locally (marketing, freshness, sustainability)

Partners: SUNY Sullivan Culinary Program, Local Farms, Catskills Food Hub, Hudson Harvest

Workshop #2: “ Building a Local Menu: Culinary Innovation with Regional Ingredients”

Teacher: Shane Nollinger -Professional Chef and Restaurant Owner

Topics:

  • Menu Planning around seasonal Availability
  • Creative use of local ingredients
  • Collaborating with farms for special events or limited time menus
  • Case studies form successful farm to table restaurants

Track #2- Geared towards Farmers, food producers, and farm managers interested in selling to restaurants, hotels and institutions.

Workshop #1: “Ready for the Table: Wholesale Success and Food Safety form Farm to Restaurant Sales”

Teacher: Michelle Proscia, CCE Extension Specialist 

Topics:

  • Understanding the expectations of chefs and hospitality buyers
  • Wholesale pricing strategies and packing standards
  • Seasonality and crop planning for consistent supply
  • Food safety protocols and certifications (GAP, ServSafe, FSMA)
  • Delivery logistics, communication, and invoicing best practices
  • Building long-term relationships with chefs and food service managers

Fee

FREE!

Register

https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events.cfm?dept=248

Contact

Alan Carroll
Food Systems Program Manager
amc586@cornell.edu
(845) 292-6180 ext. 108

Location

839 Shandelee Rd
Livingston Manor, NY 12758

Last updated March 20, 2026