Speak to the Earth Tour 2010 features classes that show why farm-to-plate dining is important

When: June 13, 2010 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., similar classes will be offered July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12.

Where: JW Marriott, 248 Louis St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI

Why: The goal is to show that people should support farm-to-plate dining. Farmers and Marriott chefs will demonstrate what local, organic food brings to the table nutritionally and to the area’s economy, and how it is used in the JW Marriott’s restaurant six.one.six. The restaurant obtains more than 90 percent of its menu from local farms. Some of the products are down at the hotel garden including, arugula, spinach, raspberries, elderberries, English peas, French breakfast radishes, thyme, lavender, rosemary, basil and more.

How: Cost: $125 per person. The class includes an open-air brunch at JW Marriott’s six.one.six, a gardening class with the hotel chefs and Trillium Haven Farm farmers, a tour of Trillium Haven Farm, a family-style al fresco lunch with recently harvested farm product, an Oct. 13 harvest dinner. For reservations call (616) 244-1448. For more information email: ilovethejw.com or trilliumhavenfarm.com.

On-Line Registration Now Open for the Food System Economic Partnership (FSEP) Conference

When: June 24, 2010
Where: Jackson Area Career Center, 6800 Browns Lake Rd, Jackson, MI
Why: The goal of the FSEP conference is to build a better food system in Southeastern Michigan. There are 17 breakout sessions to choose from, where participants will gain an understanding of the local food system and explore opportunities for growth in productions, processing, distribution, sales and consumption of local foods. Also learn how to launch your own specialty product, how to integrate farm to school into your school, and how to use the internet to build your farm or food business.
How: Cost: Early registration (deadline June 8) is $40, after June 8 cost is $50. Cost includes materials, attendance at sessions and a wonderful lunch of locally sourced food. Register online at www.fsepconference.org. Visit www.michiganorganic.msu.edu to view conference brochure.