Snake River Seed Cooperative (SRSC) is deeply committed to cultivating agricultural resilience and supporting local economies through a farmer-driven, community-centered approach. What started as the Common Wealth Seed Library evolved into Snake River Seed Cooperative in 2014 –a collection of small-scale family farmers operating within the Intermountain West where the seeds are grown, hand-packaged, and offered to gardeners and farmers around the region and beyond.

FARE Idaho is excited to partner with The Ranch Podcast to shine a spotlight on the people making a difference in our local food system!

In this episode, Phil Bass, a PHD in Animal Science and professor at University of Idaho, discusses the importance of telling the story—our Idaho ag story, ranch story, and the story of our local ag heritage. We're thankful for Matt and Phil for talking about the important stuff, for talking about FARE Idaho and the work we do here, and for bringing awareness to these vital conversations.

Executive Director Tammie Halcomb recently sat down with Angela Taylor on Culinary Chats with Indulge Boise to discuss FARE Idaho's mission to advocate for Idaho’s entire food system—from farmers and producers to restaurateurs and consumers.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent member survey. Your responses and insights are incredibly valuable and help us shape our work to better serve Idaho’s food and agriculture community.

FARE Idaho is excited to partner with The Ranch Podcast to shine a spotlight on the people making a difference in our local food system!

In our first episode, we’re featuring Elliot Tolbert, manager of Northwest Premium Meats. Elliot brings incredible insight into the challenges small producers face in a market dominated by industrial suppliers.

In this week's episode of The Zamzows Show, "Field to Fork With FARE Idaho", Callie Zamzow sits down with Tammi Halcomb, the Executive Director of FARE Idaho, to discuss the role of advocating for policies that support Idaho’s independent restaurants, family farms, and food and beverage businesses.

As first-generation ranchers, Danyon and Sammi Fontenot of Six Fold Ranch in Fairfield, Idaho have built a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture through years of hard work and dedication. Starting on a small homestead eight years ago, they fell in love with raising their own food and soon became passionate about the Scottish Highland breed.

Their desire to grow their fold and provide consumers with a direct link to where their food comes from led them to expand their operations and embrace sustainable and regenerative farming practices.

Photography by Marilyn Isaac Photography

FARE Idaho's Executive Director, Tammie Halcomb, recently joined Matt Todd on The Ranch Podcast. They delved into the history of FARE Idaho, tackled hot topics like licensed beverage policy, farmland preservation, local land use, agritourism, and so much more.

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with RekoHub.com to establish local food pickups, also known as Reko Rings, across Idaho. This initiative is a significant step towards our mission at FARE Idaho: to support our local producers by creating direct pathways to market.

Our primary goal is to simplify the process for Idaho residents to find and purchase locally produced food directly from our farmers, ranchers, and producers. By launching numerous Reko Rings (food pickups) throughout the state, we aim to enhance accessibility and convenience for consumers, while providing a dependable and efficient market for our producers.

Boise Vertical Farm was founded by Jeff Middleton and Crystal Spencer in 2019 with the mission to to create a safe community that provides hope and employment for individuals in substance abuse recovery by growing local produce. Employees and volunteers operate greenhouses, garden spaces and a woodworking shop at three locations in the Boise area, supplying fresh produce like lettuce to local markets and restaurants, and offering DIY Mushroom Kits, planter boxes, and diverse crops in their online store and at weekly farmers markets.

Photos by Marilyn Isaac Photography

Wilsey Ranch, a woman owned and operated ranch in Marsing, Idaho, was founded over 50 years ago by fourth-generation ranchers. The ranch produces high-quality, hormone-free meat from cattle raised on sustainable, intensively managed rangeland in the Owyhee Mountains.

Wilsey Ranch is committed to humane animal care and environmental sustainability, aiming to pass on a thriving ranch to future generations.

Photography by Marilyn Isaac Photography

It is with lots of excitement and a deep sense of purpose that I step into the role of Executive Director at FARE Idaho. I am genuinely inspired by your dedication to Idaho’s food system, from our rich agricultural heritage to our dynamic food distribution networks and vibrant restaurant scene.

I want you all to know that my commitment to you is unwavering. I promise to lead with transparency, inclusivity, and a relentless drive to advance our mission. Your insights and feedback are the foundation of our success.

Snacktivist is a family operated company based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho creating simple to prepare, top-9 allergen-free baking mixes. A Certified Woman-Owned company operated by Joni (founder) her husband Roy, and close family friends, Snacktivist partners with farmers dedicated to bringing life back to their soil & biodiversity to their farms.

Photos by Victoria Cooper

In April of 2011, the first Sweet Lou’s Restaurant and Bar opened on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Hope, Idaho. Named after Chad and Meggie's son, Sweet Lou’s takes a simplistic approach; guests are greeted with a smile and provided with great food, drink and service.

Photos by Victoria Cooper

In the summer of 2020, husband-and-wife team Sean and Katie Smith opened Smokesmith Bar-B-Que in Sandpoint, Idaho. Originally operating out of a converted box truck lovingly nicknamed “Eddie,” they served up brisket, pulled pork and ribs, along with made from scratch sides like coleslaw, mac & cheese, beans and more. 

Photos by Victoria Cooper

Lone Mountain Farms & Brewery is a diverse North Idaho farm growing flavorful hops and rare grains to use in their farm-craft beer. With seven farm-craft beers on tap and a small food menu, you're sure to find something for everyone. Visit the Farm Brewery for a farm-to-pint experience.

Photos by Victoria Cooper

If you have been to Harrison, Idaho, or ridden on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, you have surely noticed the spacious patio at One Shot Charlie's overlooking Lake Coeur d'Alene!

One Shot Charlie's is one of the last locally-owned and operated restaurant bars on Lake Coeur d'Alene. One Shot Charlie's has withstood the test of time and is going to be celebrating 75 years in business next year. They serve American-style fare and cold drinks on one of the most beautiful lakes in the country.

Photos by Victoria Belle Photography

A food hub, an entrepreneurship program, a community garden and an outsized impact. How do we describe the magic of Global Gardens in Boise?

Their training program gives 10-15 families the chance to build their own farming business starting from incubator sites with technical field assistance and teaching all the way through business and marketing development.

The Global Gardens food hub is an aggregation site connecting beginning farmers with local consumers such as restaurants and farm markets that seek fresh, spray-free produce.

Photos by Marilyn Isaac Photography

Boise River Lamb provides farm-fresh, high quality lamb born and raised along the Boise River in Caldwell, Idaho. Brett and Liz Wilder are 2nd generation sheep producers, and the 6th generation on the family ranch. Their lamb is ethically and sustainably raised, prioritizing the well-being of the animal while being considerate of the impact they are having on the land.

Photos by Marilyn Isaac Photography

Thomas Cattle Co. started as a logging and ranching company in Washington, but today, the Treasure Valley-based ranch raises cattle that can be found in homes across the U.S.

“We understand that food is the centerpiece of the dinner table, and at the dinner table conversations and memories occur,” said Elizabeth Thomas, whose husband, Seth Thomas, now co-owns Thomas Cattle Co. “It’s really special to be part of that in households across Idaho and across the United States.”

Story by Samantha Stetzer