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X-WR-CALNAME:Heartland Regional Food Business Coalition
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://heartlandfoodbusiness.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Heartland Regional Food Business Coalition
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260102T000000
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DTSTAMP:20260503T055416
CREATED:20251125T195243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T195243Z
UID:63112-1767312000-1777248000@heartlandfoodbusiness.org
SUMMARY:Online Master Gardener Training – Become a Master Gardener and join a regional chapter to volunteer in your community
DESCRIPTION:The Extension Master Gardener program was established in Missouri in 1983 and provides in-depth horticultural training for Missourians who wish to share their knowledge of gardening. The mission of the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener program is to support MU Extension by providing trained volunteers to assist in public horticulture education. \nThis course prepares Extension Master Gardeners in topics related to soils\, plant nutrition\, vegetables\, fruits\, ornamental woody plants\, herbaceous plants\, plant propagation\, disease and insect control\, lawn care\, residential landscape\, environmental stewardship\, and safe use of pest management strategies. Extension Master Gardener volunteers assist MU Extension by utilizing unbiased research-based information to educate\, answer frequently asked gardening questions\, teach through demonstration gardens\, donate produce\, present as speakers’ bureaus\, and share information. To become trained as an Extension Master Gardener\, an individual must attend core training and provide 30 hours of volunteer service back to their community. \nFor additional class and program information or to register: Missouri Master Gardener Online Core Training – Spring 2026 | MU Extension
URL:https://heartlandfoodbusiness.org/event/online-master-gardener-training-become-a-master-gardener-and-join-a-regional-chapter-to-volunteer-in-your-community/
LOCATION:MO
CATEGORIES:Self-Paced Training or Certification,Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260120T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260414T200000
DTSTAMP:20260503T055416
CREATED:20251125T194820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T194820Z
UID:63110-1768933800-1776196800@heartlandfoodbusiness.org
SUMMARY:High Tunnel Production Webinar Series: MU Extension’s Guide to Growing Specialty Crops in Tunnels for High Yields & Low Risks
DESCRIPTION:Location: virtual on Zoom \nTime: Tuesdays January 20th-April 14th\, 6:30-8:00pm \nJoin University of Missouri Extension and partner institutions for a practical 12-session webinar series on growing specialty crops in high\, low\, and caterpillar tunnels. Learn directly from Extension specialists and researchers as they cover tunnel construction\, irrigation and fertility management\, pest and disease control\, specialty crop production\, and economics. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your tunnel production year-round\, this series offers trusted\, research-based guidance to help your farm thrive. \nLive attendance is encouraged\, but all sessions will also be recorded. \nSeries will be followed by in-person field days offered across the state in late spring and early summer. Locations and dates TBD. \nCost: $96-140 \nThis course is offered with a tiered pricing model to provide greater access for all community members. To determine your course enrollment fee please review the Sliding Scale Table (https://i.emlfiles4.com/cmpdoc/9/4/0/0/9/1/files/27861_sliding-scale-fee-2026-tunnel-to-table-1.pdf) select a promo code based off of your annual household income. Use this promo code at the end of Registration to reduce your course fee. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe also offer a limited number of scholarships for those who are experiencing underemployment or similar financial challenges. If you are interested in a scholarship\, please fill out the Scholarship Interest Form. Scholarships are generously offered by the Missouri SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education) Program.
URL:https://heartlandfoodbusiness.org/event/high-tunnel-production-webinar-series-mu-extensions-guide-to-growing-specialty-crops-in-tunnels-for-high-yields-low-risks/
LOCATION:MO
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260420T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260420T130000
DTSTAMP:20260503T055416
CREATED:20260408T214209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T214209Z
UID:63384-1776686400-1776690000@heartlandfoodbusiness.org
SUMMARY:Homegrown Prosperity Educational Sessions
DESCRIPTION:Homegrown Prosperity is a new initiative focused on expanding cooperative development across rural Kansas and Missouri. Through cooperative education\, readiness assessments\, and targeted technical assistance\, the program will support community groups interested in exploring cooperative solutions that strengthen local economies and expand community ownership. \nVirtual Learning Session\nApril 20\, 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST)\nJoin us online for an introduction to the cooperative business model\, examples of successful rural cooperatives\, and an overview of how Homegrown Prosperity can support communities interested in cooperative development. \nRegistration: Meeting Registration – Zoom
URL:https://heartlandfoodbusiness.org/event/homegrown-prosperity-educational-sessions/
LOCATION:MO
CATEGORIES:Online Meeting
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260422T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260422T140000
DTSTAMP:20260503T055416
CREATED:20260331T131933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T131933Z
UID:63340-1776859200-1776866400@heartlandfoodbusiness.org
SUMMARY:Pathways to Market: Business Development & Buyer Readiness
DESCRIPTION:The United Stated Department of Agriculture\, Small Business Administration\, Small Business Development Center\, and Apex Accelerator have partnered to equip agricultural enterprises and other small businesses with the tools\, resources\, and knowledge required to navigate the product to market journey.  Participants will obtain best practices an enhance their understanding of how to convert innovative ideas to buyer ready products. \nJoin us for this virtual webinar to hear from business and economic development experts about how to prepare your enterprises and get your products to Federal markets using artificial intelligence and other related/necessary skills. \nThe webinar has been scheduled for April 22\, 2026\, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm EST.  Please share with other enterprises and businesses. \nTo register\, please click HERE. \n\nWed\, Apr 22\n\n\n12:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDT\n\n\n\nOnline event
URL:https://heartlandfoodbusiness.org/event/pathways-to-market-business-development-buyer-readiness/
LOCATION:MO
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T170000
DTSTAMP:20260503T055416
CREATED:20260408T152638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T152638Z
UID:63360-1777365000-1777482000@heartlandfoodbusiness.org
SUMMARY:Applied Food Safety Microbiology Training April 28-29\, 2026 (Columbia\, MO)
DESCRIPTION:If you are interested in building both foundational understanding and practical skills in microbial control during food processing\, this training is an excellent opportunity. Effective microbial control programs are essential for managing spoilage organisms as well as toxigenic and pathogenic microorganisms across a wide range of raw and finished food products. Increasingly\, regulatory agencies such as the FDA and USDA\, along with third-party auditors and customer requirements\, expect food processors to implement comprehensive and science-based microbial control systems that proactively address food safety risks. \nThis course is designed to help food processors stay current with emerging microbiological food safety concerns and equip them with the knowledge needed to design\, implement\, and maintain effective control programs. Participants will gain practical insights into environmental monitoring\, sanitation practices\, and preventive control strategies that support safe food production. \nThis free training\, sponsored by the USDA through the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA)\, is especially beneficial for small and medium-scale food processors. \nTarget audience: small and medium-scale food processors\, quality assurance and quality control personnel\, line supervisors\, operators\, sanitation supervisors\, quality managers\, farmers doing businesses in farmer’s market\, canning professionals\, managers and food science undergraduate & graduate students. \nDuration: 1.5 days\nVenue: Eckles Hall\, 1406\, E Rollins St.\, Columbia\, MO.\nTime: April 28 (8:30 am to 5:00 pm)\, and April 29 (8:30 am to 12:30 pm)\nRegistration cost: Free\nCourtesy: USDA through Missouri Department of Agriculture \nSign Up Here: https://extension.missouri.edu/events/applied-food-safety-microbiology-training-april-28-29-2026-columbia-mo \nFor more information\, contact: Kantha Channaiah (lchannaiah@missouri.edu) 573-882-2673
URL:https://heartlandfoodbusiness.org/event/applied-food-safety-microbiology-training-april-28-29-2026-columbia-mo/
LOCATION:University of Missouri\, Eckles Hall\, 1400 Rollins Street\, Columbia\, Missouri\, 65211
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T120000
DTSTAMP:20260503T055416
CREATED:20260408T213728Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T213728Z
UID:63382-1777460400-1777464000@heartlandfoodbusiness.org
SUMMARY:Quarterly Virtual Local Food Town Hall
DESCRIPTION:Quarterly Virtual Local Food Town Hall is back! This quarter’s Town Hall will be on Wednesday\, April 29th from 11 a.m. to noon.  Joining us for lightning presentations! \n\n\nThomas Smith from The KC Food Hub and Tom Buller from Kansas Rural Center will discuss the Kansas Local Food Hub Constellation. With the hard-fought lessons learned over The Kansas City Food Hub’s 10-year history\, learn how they plan to elevate and empower community voices across Kansas to build food hubs that meet their farmer and eater community needs. \n\n\n\n\nEric Sannerud from GrownBy will share how Kansas farmers can offer SNAP online to sell their produce. He will discuss how farmers are able to sell their produce online to SNAP customers and how to use the same program while at market. \n\n\nDon’t miss out! If you are not registered yet for this year\, sign up below. \nQuarterly Virtual Town Halls | K-State | Kansas State University
URL:https://heartlandfoodbusiness.org/event/quarterly-virtual-local-food-town-hall/
LOCATION:MO
CATEGORIES:Online Meeting
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260505T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260507T170000
DTSTAMP:20260503T055416
CREATED:20260409T125045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T125045Z
UID:63388-1777968000-1778173200@heartlandfoodbusiness.org
SUMMARY:National Rural Grocery Summit - Fargo\, ND
DESCRIPTION:The Rural Grocery Initiative is excited to co-host the 2026 Summit with two organizations that have a long history of supporting rural grocers in their states: the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) and the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC). \nThe National Rural Grocery Summit\, hosted every other year\, is the premier networking and resource-sharing venue for independent grocers and rural food access stakeholders. It brings together grocery store owners and managers\, community leaders\, food suppliers\, academic researchers\, healthy food access stakeholders\, policy makers\, and funders to connect and share lessons learned. The event is focused on sustaining locally-owned rural grocery stores and improving access to healthy food in rural communities.\n\nKey Information: \nMay 5-7\, 2026 – Fargo\, ND\n\nThe 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit will be held at the Holiday Inn – Fargo in Fargo\, ND.\nRegistration is now open!\nExplore the conference agenda.\nSubscribe to our newsletter to hear the latest.
URL:https://heartlandfoodbusiness.org/event/national-rural-grocery-summit-fargo-nd-2/
LOCATION:Holiday Inn – Fargo\, ND\, 3803 13th Ave S\, Fargo\, ND\, 58103
CATEGORIES:Conference,In Person Event
ORGANIZER;CN="Rural Grocery Initiative":MAILTO:rgi@ksu.edu
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260609T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260610T170000
DTSTAMP:20260503T055416
CREATED:20260408T213031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T213031Z
UID:63378-1780992000-1781110800@heartlandfoodbusiness.org
SUMMARY:Food Business Start-Up Summit - Hays\, Kansas
DESCRIPTION:The Food Business Start-Up Summit is a hands-on\, two-day working retreat designed to help Kansas food and farm entrepreneurs make real progress on their businesses. Rather than sitting through presentations\, participants work alongside trusted advisors and peers to tackle challenges like licensing\, financing\, production\, distribution\, and growth. Bring your key partners (teams of up to three) and step away from daily operations to gain clarity\, build confidence\, and leave with a practical action plan tailored to your business. \nIn 2026\, the K-State Extension Community Food Systems team will host two Summits: June 9–10 in Hays and August 4–5 in Lawrence. Each event welcomes up to 25 businesses and offers expert guidance\, peer learning\, and dedicated time to focus. There is no cost to apply; selected teams register for $300. Join us to connect\, problem-solve\, and move your business forward. \nApplication | K-State | Kansas State University \n 
URL:https://heartlandfoodbusiness.org/event/food-business-start-up-summit-hays-kansas/
LOCATION:MO
CATEGORIES:In Person Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260804T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260805T170000
DTSTAMP:20260503T055416
CREATED:20260408T213323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T213323Z
UID:63380-1785830400-1785949200@heartlandfoodbusiness.org
SUMMARY:Food Business Start-Up Summit - Hays\, Kansas
DESCRIPTION:The Food Business Start-Up Summit is a hands-on\, two-day working retreat designed to help Kansas food and farm entrepreneurs make real progress on their businesses. Rather than sitting through presentations\, participants work alongside trusted advisors and peers to tackle challenges like licensing\, financing\, production\, distribution\, and growth. Bring your key partners (teams of up to three) and step away from daily operations to gain clarity\, build confidence\, and leave with a practical action plan tailored to your business. \nIn 2026\, the K-State Extension Community Food Systems team will host two Summits: June 9–10 in Hays and August 4–5 in Lawrence. Each event welcomes up to 25 businesses and offers expert guidance\, peer learning\, and dedicated time to focus. There is no cost to apply; selected teams register for $300. Join us to connect\, problem-solve\, and move your business forward. \nApplication | K-State | Kansas State University \nFor venue/location information\, please visit the website: Food Business Start-Up Summit | K-State | Kansas State University \n 
URL:https://heartlandfoodbusiness.org/event/food-business-start-up-summit-hays-kansas-2/
LOCATION:MO
CATEGORIES:In Person Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260914
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260918
DTSTAMP:20260503T055416
CREATED:20260409T130518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T130518Z
UID:63398-1789344000-1789689599@heartlandfoodbusiness.org
SUMMARY:Urban Food Systems Symposium - Kansas City\, MO
DESCRIPTION:UFSS brings together a national and international audience of academic\, non-profit\, private-sector\, government and research-oriented professionals around this years’ theme of ‘Cultivating Communities\, Cities\, and Food Systems.’ UFSS fosters collaboration and emphasizes the role of urban food systems in shaping sustainable solutions for our cities and communities. \nOver the past decade\, UFSS has grown from 50 to 200+ attendees. Learn more about our 2026 location and book your stay. \n4445 Main Street\, Kansas City\, Missouri 64111\, United States \nRegistration \nRegistration Deadlines \n   Early price April 1 – May 31\, 11:59 p.m. CST \n*Use code EARLY_UFSS26 for Early Bird pricing! \n   Regular price June 1 – August 15 11:59 p.m. CST \nLate Registration August 16 – September 10 11:59 p.m. CST \n   Registration closes September 10\, 11:59 p.m. CST
URL:https://heartlandfoodbusiness.org/event/urban-food-systems-symposium-kansas-city-mo/
LOCATION:Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza\, 4445 Main Street\, Kansas City\, MO\, 64111\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conference,In Person Event
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