Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit
8th Annual
Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit
May 13th - 14th, 2026 | University of Kentucky and Fasig-Tipton
We are delighted to share that the 8th Annual Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit will take place Wednesday, May 13 – Thursday, May 14, 2026! This year’s Summit will bring together local food systems professionals, farmers, chefs, and community advocates for a robust program featuring pre-Summit tracks, dynamic breakout sessions, farm tours, hands-on cooking experiences, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen Kentucky’s local food economy and build lasting connections.
Wednesday, May 13, kicks off with optional pre-Summit sessions at The 90, including hands-on cooking experiences with our very own Chef Tem and special guest, Extension trainings on local foods, as well as farm tour tracks offering behind-the-scenes learning at local farms. The day concludes with a Pre-Summit Networking Reception at West Sixth Brewing (Barrel Room), providing space to connect, share ideas, and celebrate our community of local food leaders.
Thursday, May 14, is a full-day Summit at Fasig-Tipton, featuring keynote conversations, chef and farmer panels, breakout sessions, and a Summit Networking Reception, creating space for collaboration, problem-solving, and inspiration.
The celebration of Kentucky’s local food system continues with F.E.A.S.T. on Friday, May 15, a special evening showcasing the flavors, creativity, and talent of the region’s chefs and farms, hosted by our partners at FoodChain.
Join us for this opportunity to learn, connect, and take action toward building a more resilient and vibrant local food system in Kentucky. Save the date and stay tuned for registration details!
Sponsor the 2026 KYLFS Summit
Grow Kentucky’s local food future—sponsor the Summit and help cultivate connections and innovation across the Commonwealth!
Contact our Executive Director
What can you expect at the Summit?
Each day/session is ticketed separately, but we hope you can join us for each day of learning, networking, and, of course, delicious Kentucky-grown food.
Wednesday, May 13 – Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit 2025 (Day 1) – Join us for breakout sessions at The 90 on the University of Kentucky campus and area farm tours, concluding with the Pre-Summit Networking Reception at West Sixth Brewing (Barrel Room) - (8:30 AM to 6:30 PM)
Thursday, May 14 – Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit 2025 (Day 2) – Join us at Fasig-Tipton for a full day of learning and networking. The day will include a keynote presentation, dynamic plenary and breakout sessions, presentation of the 2026 Food Connection Awards, a delicious Kentucky farm-forward lunch, and a lively networking reception. (9 AM to 5:30 PM)
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
2026 Schedule of Events
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 9 AM - 6:30 PM: Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit Day 1 at the Food Connection inside The 90 at the University of Kentucky
Details coming soon!
Thursday, May 14, 2025 9 AM - 5:30 PM: Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit Day 2 at Fasig-Tipton
Details coming soon!
Friday, May 15, 2026 6-9 PM: F.E.A.S.T. 2026 at Fasig-Tipton
An evening of food, fellowship, and fundraising for the future of the FoodChain. F.E.A.S.T. is more than just a food event; it’s a movement to a world where Food Equity & Access Sustains Tomorrow. F.E.A.S.T. began as an initiative of Chef Ouita Michel and 4 of the chefs she met at a James Beard Foundation Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change™. Ouita, Abra, Amy, Jamilka, and Joy bonded over their dedication to changing our food system for the better and all agreed that supporting the work of FoodChain was a great place to start. F.E.A.S.T. then became the cornerstone event supporting FoodChain’s mission.
Find out more here: https://foodchainlex.org/feastforfoodchain/
Registration Info
Cooperative Extension guests should also register through KERS.
Full registration details coming soon!
Scholarships are available on an as-needed basis. For more information, please contact Dr. Ashton Potter.
Brought to you by:
The 2026 Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit is brought to you by The Food Connection.
