On behalf of the South Dakota Local Foods Conference Planning Committee, we are excited to announce this year’s conference!

Dates: November 8-9, 2024
Location: The Journey Museum, Rapid City, SD
Theme: Cultivating Community Connections

For over a decade, the South Dakota Local Foods Conference has been a pivotal platform for education and networking among producers and supporters of local foods. This ever-expanding conference is designed to enhance the local food system in South Dakota, celebrating the dedication of our farmers, consumers, and food system professionals who are committed to building resilient communities and equitable food systems through sustainable agriculture, strong partnerships, and community education.

The South Dakota Local Foods Conference aims to:

• Unite diverse voices to highlight and support the South Dakota local food system.
• Educate participants on the functioning of local and regional food systems.
• Support potential, beginning, and current producers to thrive on their farms and ranches.
• Expand access to and consumption of local and regional food across South Dakota.
• Increase recognition of the value of local food to South Dakota’s communities, economies, and rural vitality.
• Highlight the role of Indigenous food systems and Tribal food sovereignty in our state.
• Amplify historically marginalized voices and showcase innovators in sustainable food production.
• Create opportunities for networking and community building within the local foods sector.

This annual event showcases the latest advancements in promoting and improving local foods within our state, connecting producers, consumers, retailers, restaurants, chefs, and resource providers from across South Dakota.

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Hear from nationally-renowned keynote speakers.
• Learn from local experts through a variety of breakout sessions.
• Tour farms and learn from innovative, environmentally conscious farmers.
• Develop new connections through networking opportunities at social events and the exhibitor fair.
• Celebrate locally-sourced foods by sharing meals together.