Wow, what a year it has been! Looking back on 2023, we are so proud of all of the incredible things that FARE Idaho has accomplished.

There is so much gratitude for all of the food and beverage businesses that we get the privilege to engage with on a daily basis.  We are so blessed to be working with such incredible humans that go above and beyond to keep food and beverages on our tables.  So most importantly, thank you for all that you do for our communities and your part in making the world a better place.  

In 2023, FARE Idaho:

• Celebrated our third anniversary!

• Grew to over 400 members in 3 years

• Became an Idaho state co-lead in partnership with University of Idaho in the USDA Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center grant program that will help small-and medium-scale food producers in six Western states sell their products into local and regional food systems

• Worked with local liquor license holders to oppose SB 1120 that limits the transferability of liquor licenses.  FARE Idaho is actively engaged in conversations in the upcoming legislative session

• Created the Field to Fork Exchange to connect Idaho buyers and retailers

• Held our second annual Cocktails for a Cause statewide fundraising event in partnership with 44° North® Vodka, featuring over 30 unique cocktails created by Idaho establishments

• Welcomed our new board president, Rocci Johnson

• Hosted Statewide Roundtables covering topics such as the Employee Retention Tax Credit, Livestock Processing, Climate Smart Commodities, Liquor License Legislation changes, and the Transition to Organic Partnership Program

• Traveled to Washington DC to speak at the National Agricultural Marketing Summit

• Held the first ever Field to Fork Festival, an interactive trade fair that brought together over 600 independent food and beverage industry professionals from throughout Idaho

• Received the Farmers Market Promotion Program Grant that will allow FARE to implement strategies for building local food supply chains in Idaho, offer marketing assistance for farmers, and connect Idaho producers with Idaho buyers and consumers

• Hosted the sold out Cooking with Lamb: From Butchering to Plate class in partnership with Sun Valley Culinary Institute, University of Idaho and Trailing of the Sheep Festival 

• Traveled across Idaho visiting our members

• Realized that FARE Idaho is potentially the only nonprofit trade association in the United States structured around the local food system