PUEBLO—The Pueblo Food project invites the public to join the third annual Sun Soil Water Ag Summit hosted with Colorado State University Extension. The Sun Soil Water Ag Summit takes place Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18 at Pueblo Community College
“This community-led conference is an opportunity for all those involved in our local food system and for any interested individual to learn more about our local agriculture in the Pueblo community,” said Pueblo Food Project Program Manager Megan Moore.
Pueblo Food Project and Colorado State University Extension has four elements of the Sun Soil Water Ag Summit including a pitch competition, the second annual Pueblo Food Systems Leadership Awards, the community-led Summit and the Makers’ Market and Idea Fair. The Summit will host knowledgeable speakers covering a variety of topics related to food systems and agriculture. All are welcome. Topics will include regenerative agriculture, water, foraging, herbal medicine, local food economy, food systems labor, and others! Registration is now open at pueblogoodproject.org/sunsoilwaterag.
Friday, March 17 will host the pitch competition and Pueblo Food Systems Leadership Awards. The event begins at 1:00 p.m. and will conclude 5:00 p.m. The Pitch Competition is curated for food and agriculture related businesses in Colorado. This event is hosted by Southern Colorado Innovation Link and Pueblo Food Project. Competitors will pitch their business to a nationally recognized judging panel and compete for $20,000 worth of prizes. For more information about the Pitch Competition or to apply contact scil@pueblocc.edu.
The second annual Pueblo Food Systems Leadership Awards take place 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to announce the winners of the Pitch Competition and recognize community leaders in farming, entrepreneurship, food access and the Pueblo Food Project for the hard work in building a better food system in Pueblo County. Attendees will enjoy local food, drinks and music. Seating is limited for the event.
“The gala will include delicious local food, drinks, live music and a vibrant community atmosphere,” said Moore. “We’re looking forward to promoting our local food and honoring those making a difference in our Pueblo community.”
On Saturday, March 18 from 8:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. the day-long conference includes keynote presentation, panel discussion, hands-on breakouts and delicious foods to enjoy. Volunteer opportunities are available to individuals who are interested.
Additionally, throughout the day on Saturday, March 18 conference participants are invited to explore the Makers’ Market and Idea Fair. Makers and community organizations interested in hosting a table are encouraged to participate, free of charge.
Sponsorships are welcomed and will include tickets to both events. Details on various tiers of sponsorship can be found at pueblofoodproject.org/sunsoilwaterag/ or by emailing info@pueblofoodproject.org. Tickets for the Pueblo Food Systems Awards ($25) and Sun Soil Water Ag Summit Community Lead Conference ($10) will be sold separately. Scholarships are also available.