Cannon Valley Grown Project Kick-Off October 10th – Building Community and Awareness of Local Food and Farm Products

Cannon Valley Grown is an exciting new collaborative marketing and community-building venture between local farmers, producers, and makers who aim to raise awareness of products created and grown in the Cannon River Valley foodshed. On Wednesday, October 10th at 6:30 pm, founding members will gather at Imminent Brewery to introduce the new initiative to supporters and prospective members.

Cannon Valley Grown is a project of the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota’s local Cannon River chapter and is funded by a grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. It brings together local farmers, makers, food producers and consumers who are committed to values-driven business and thriving local economies. Our members believe in strengthening the local foodshed through sustainable farming, local sourcing and production, humane animal treatment, fair worker treatment, and respecting all people. Cannon Valley Grown also aims to put the rich soils and deep farming roots of Minnesota’s Cannon River Valley on the map by telling the stories of its delicious food and drinks, exceptional products, and the dedicated people who make them happen.

At the kick-off event, Cannon Valley Grown members will talk about the genesis of this unique project, highlight ways that working together helps to grow our local foodshed and economy, and how we might collaborate more broadly and effectively in the future. In addition to becoming a regional quality- and values-driven brand, Cannon Valley Grown will also offer its members access to marketing tools; cross-promotional opportunities; educational workshops to help build local farm or food businesses; and networking opportunities to share experiences and best practices. Attendees of the kick-off event will learn of the many ways to support and be involved with this exciting new initiative.

This event is free and open to all; no RSVP is required. Snacks will be provided. Beer/nonalcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.

Contact cannonvalleygrown@gmail.com with questions, visit cannonvalleygrown.org or contact a Cannon Valley Grown steering committee member: Aaron Wills, Nate Watters, Tiffany Tripp, Michael Pursell, Tracy Kochendorfer, Will Crombie, Gwen Anderson.

The Sustainable Farming Association is a chapter-based, statewide non-profit organization that supports the development and enhancement of sustainable farming systems through innovation, demonstration, education, and farmer-to-farmer networking. The Cannon Valley Chapter represents businesses and consumers located in the general area of the Cannon River watershed, including Dodge, Goodhue, Steele, Rice, LeSueur, Dakota, and Scott counties.

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is a regional development and philanthropic organization that fosters economic and community vitality in 20 counties of southern Minnesota through culture of collaboration and partnership.

Cannon Valley Grown Kick-Off
Date: Wednesday, October 10th 6:30pm
Location: Imminent Brewing
Address: 519 Division Street S. Unit 2, Northfield, MN 55057