Projo Biz Blog

Farmers from Simmons Farm, in Middletown, are participating in this year's Local Food Forum.

Farm Fresh Rhode Island is hosting the 4th Annual Local Food Forum next Tuesday, Feb. 5, to discuss ways to expand access to locally grown food after the summer season.

Last summer, The Providence Journal reported about the group's effort to establish a year-round, indoor market for local farm products.

Next week's meeting, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Brown University, will involve Brown Dining Services, the state Department of Environmental Management, as well as farmers and chefs.

"Rhode Island, like many other parts of the country, has recently experienced a renaissance in the popularity of locally grown and produced food," Farm Fresh said in a statement. "While the enthusiasm for Rhode Island grown food is encouraging, there are challenges to creating a thriving local food system throughout the year, especially in the colder winter and spring months."

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