Cal State University Channel Islands will be home to a two day Ventura County Agricultural Summit featuring panels, speakers, and food on Friday Sept. 11 from 8:30am-6:30pm and food and wine tasting on Saturday Sept. 12 from noon to 4:30pm.

Following two panels and a farm to table lunch provided by Tim Kilcoyne of Scratch Food Truck on Friday, Paula Daniels, founder of the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, will be the keynote speaker of the Agricultural Summit.  Los Angeles Food Policy Council is a collective initiative of food system leaders working toward an environmentally sustainable, equitable and regional approach.

On Friday afternoon, participants will hear about area WATER: The Resource, New Realities and Solutions. Edgar Terry  of Terry Farms will moderate; then enjoy small plates by Chef Jason Collard, with beer and wine included.

Saturday’s Taste of Local Exposition starts at noon and showcases area chefs who emphasize locally sourced produce, plus premier local wineries, breweries, distillers, purveyors, farmers and vendors that support the Ventura County agricultural industry.

Participants include Surf Brewery, Four Brix Winery, Poseidon Brewing Company,Blendz Winery, Ladyface Ale, Labyrinth, Panero Brothers, Squashed Grapes,Channel Islands Distillery, Ventura Spirits, Ventura Limoncello, Alquimia Tequila,Island Brewing, Clos Des Amis, Grapes & Hops and Cantara Cellars for beverages; food samples will come from McGrath Family Farm, Plated Events, Main Course Catering, Seasons Catering, Discovery, The Kitchen, Winchesters Grill, The Tavern, The Saloon BBQ,Watermark, Ocean Pride Seafood and Ventura Meat Company.

A locally sourced shopping expo and  music complete the event. Performances include Dan Grimm’s unique musical genre, the Flip Flop Honky Tonk; Twice Western Music Association Cowboy Poetry nominee, Andria Kidd; and acclaimed Latin guitarist and harpist Xocoyotzin Moraza with Thomas Herrera.

You can purchase tickets online or at the door: Friday’s Agricultural Summit tickets are $35 and Farm to Plate Mixer tickets are $50 or both for $75. Saturday’s Taste tickets are $65; two-day event passes are $105 and includes all events

According to the website,  the mission of  the Ventura County Agricultural Summit is “to protect and promote agriculture while ensuring the welfare of the public, the industry and the environment. With help and support from the Ventura County Agriculture Commissioner’s Office, they have been able to promote and work with many Ventura County agriculture stakeholders, building the necessary structures of long-term success into the future.”