SALIDA — In celebration of local foods and agritourism, Guidestone is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual AgriSummit!

This community event is held at the Salida SteamPlant Event Center on Friday, April 20th.

Attendees will participate in educational sessions, opportunities for networking and inspired discussions focused on local food production and agritourism in this region.

Content and discussions will be relevant to next generation and established producers as well as local food enthusiasts, educators and community members alike.

The event will include breakout sessions on topics such as agritourism, holistic management, regenerative agriculture, aquaponic and geothermal greenhouse production systems, Farm to School, water law, as well as the role of education and community building in creating resilient food systems.

A keynote address will be given by Joe & Jenn Wheeling of the James Ranch in Durango, highlighting this multi-generational ranch and the agriculture and agritourism operations that allow it to thrive.

AgriSummit will include a lunch provided by Seasons Cafe featuring local foods, and an early-season Farmers Market hosted by Foodshed Alliance.

A Community Open House will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. in the SteamPlant Ballroom, open to all members of the community! Farmers Market vendors will have samples available, items for purchase and information on their offerings for the 2018 growing season. Additional festivities include libations and a silent auction.

At 7 p.m. join Guidestone for a screening of “Farmers for America”, a documentary film to celebrate, support, and inspire young farmers. Held at the Salida SteamPlant Theater, doors will open at 6 p.m., the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. with opening speakers, and the screening will start at 7 p.m. The run time for this film is 75 minutes. Tickets are available both through AgriSummit registration at www.GuidestoneColorado.org or through the SteamPlant. To learn more about this film, visit: https://www.leaveitbetter.com/farmers-for-america/

AgriSummit events will continue through the weekend with farm and ranch tours on Saturday and Savor Chaffee County all weekend!

Check out what agritourism offerings are available in this area by pre-registering for tours at the Hutchinson Homestead & Learning Center, the Guidestone’s Community & School Farm, and more. Local residents and area visitors alike are also invited to visit participating Savor Chaffee County restaurants and businesses featuring locally sourced menu items from Colorado producers in support of the event.

For information on registration, scholarships, sponsorships, or becoming a market vendor, visit: www.GuidestoneColorado.org, or contact Andrea Coen with questions: 719-239-0955 or [email protected].

AgriSummit is hosted by Guidestone Colorado and partners committed to strengthening local agriculture. Partners and sponsors include the following: the Colorado Tourism Office, SteamPlant Event Center, Hutchinson Homestead & Learning Center, Foodshed Alliance, Chaffee County Visitors Bureau, Salida Chamber of Commerce, CSU Extension, Salida Creative District, GARNA (Greater Arkansas River Nature Association), Central Colorado Conservancy, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, NRCS and the Upper Arkansas Conservation District.

Guidestone Colorado is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is growing a vibrant agricultural future through education, community building, and partnerships.