FARMERS FEAST

The culmination of the conference, the Farmers Feast has become the most anticipated event of the conference. This year, Chef Hugh Acheson of Five & Ten and The National restaurants, and winner of the 2009 James Beard Award, will be leading a dream team of southern chefs that honors the hard work and bounty of our local growers. The Feast will also be highlighting local wines as a part of our commitment to supporting our local vineyards. The list of featured wineries as of January 5th include Persimmon Creek Vineyards, Still Pond Vineyard, Tiger Mountain Vineyards, Montaluce Winery and Shannon Vineyards.

The winners of the Land Steward Award and Barbara Petit Pollinator Award will be announced.

Finally, Carlo Petrini, founder of the international slow food movement, will inspire and entertain guests during the dinner. In 1986, Petrini caught the world’s attention by helping launch a country-wide campaign against McDonald's in Italy, who was opening a fast food outlet near the Spanish Steps in Rome. That was the action that prompted Time magazine to call him a “Slow Revolutionary,” when naming him one of its “Heroes” in 2004.

Petrini argues for the protection of agricultural biodiversity and traditional foods and culture in an ever globalizing world. But he cares as much about pleasure as he does protests. When forging the Slow Food movement, he stressed sure, slow, and full appreciation of the senses. In short, his leadership has changed the way we think about eating and growing food.

Sponsors

Heritage $10,000+

Heirloom $5,000+

Cultivator $2,500+

Artisan $1,000+

White Oak Pastures


Riverview Farms


Classic City $500+