Annual Forum

Utah Farmers Market Network Annual Forum

Each year, the Utah Farmers Market Network hosts its Annual Forum to unite market managers and owners, food leaders, and community advocates from all corners of the state. This event fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community building, creating an opportunity for stakeholders to connect and engage in meaningful discussions. Through expert-led presentations, interactive breakout sessions, and ample networking opportunities, participants gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to enhance farmers markets and support local food systems across Utah.

 
 
 

UFMN 2025 Forum Agenda*

*Subject to change

9am - 9:30am: Sign in; coffee and light refreshments

9:30am - 10am: Welcome from UFMN Director, Jaclyn Pace

10am - 10:20am: Session #1

10:20am - 10:40am: Session #2

10:40am - 11am: Session #3

11am - 11:20am: Session #4

11:20am - 11:40am: Session #5

11:40am - 12pm: Session #6 - Break Out with Presenters from Sessions #1-5

12pm-1pm: Lunch & Networking

1pm - 1:20pm: Session #7

1:20pm - 1:40pm: Session #8

1:40pm -2pm: Session #9 

2pm - 2:10pm: Break

2:10pm - 2:30pm: Session #10

2:30pm - 2:50pm: Session #11

2:50pm - 3:10pm: Session #12

3:10pm - 3:30pm: Session #13 - Break Out with Presenters from Sessions #7-13

3:30pm - 4:30pm: Wisdom Circle Break Out

4:30pm - 5:00pm: Closing; fill out surveys

Presenters

  • Denise Christiansen - Good 4 Life Markets - Mountain West Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year

    • Successful Business Session

  • Tim Cooley - Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity & Start Up State Initiative

    • Marketing for Your Market

  • Bryce Hansen - Small Business Development Center

    • Growing Your Small Business 101

  • Chase Murdock - Durable

    • Succession Planning 101

  • Caroline Hargraves - Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

    • Regulation Updates

  • Hannah Goggin - Department of Health and Human Services

    • Double Up/SNAP/Senior/Produce Rx

  • Symbria and Sarah Patterson - Red Acre Farm CSA and Red Acre Center

    • Legislative Work

  • Harvesting Wisdom Panel: Insights from Seasoned Farmers Market Managers

    • Kat Puzey - Downtown St. George Farmers Market

    • Nichole Matthews - Downtown Farmers Market Salt Lake City

    • Denise Christiansen - Good 4 Life Markets

    • Adelaide Corey-Disch - Utah Farm Bureau Markets

  • Businesses/Organizations to Know Session

    • Utah Farm 2 Form - Natalie McHale & Danielle Perez

    • Utahns Against Hunger - Gina Cornia

    • Slow Food - Natalie McHale

    • Utah’s Own - Emily Ashby

  • Selam Dickerson - New Roots Farm - SLC Mayor’s Office Human Rights Commission Award Recipient

    • What You Should Know About New Roots and the International Rescue Committee