Panel to Explore Agro-Food Economies in Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 7, 2016) — University of Kentucky Libraries is sponsoring the panel discussion "Thresh and Sow: The Past, Present, and Future of Agro-Food Economies in Kentucky." The free public event featuring leaders in the local food economy will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, April 11, at West Sixth Brewing, located at 501 W. Sixth St.

Lilian Brislen, director of The Food Connection at the UK College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment will moderate the panel. The conversation will center around Kentucky's transition from a tobacco-centered agricultural economy to a focus on other crops and value-added food products.

The panel will include five prominent figures in the local food economy:

· Bill Bickford, general manager of Good Foods Co-op;

· Ann Ferrell, Western Kentucky University folklorist and University Press of Kentucky author;

· Carolyn Gahnn, co-owner of Sweet Grass farm and Sweetgrass Granola;

· Karyn Moskowitz, director of New Roots and the Fresh Stop Markets project; and

· David Neville, Henry County farmer and cattle rancher.

Good Foods Co-op will provide light refreshments for attendees and West Sixth’s usual drink offerings will be available for purchase to those of age. 

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, 859-257-8716; whitney.hale@uky.edu