16th Annual TN Local Food Summit

December 4-6, 2026

Tennessee State University’s Avon Williams Campus

Nashville, Tennessee

Early Bird Discount Available

Early Bird Discount Available •

The 16th Annual TN Local Food Summit, taking place December 4–6, 2026 at Tennessee State University - Avon Williams Campus in Nashville, Tennessee, will bring together farmers, ranchers, food system advocates, educators, researchers, and other food system professionals to strengthen resilient and equitable local food systems across Tennessee and the Southeast. This year's theme, Reimagining Our Food Systems, challenges us to envision a future where farmers prosper, land is stewarded with care, communities are nourished, and local food economies flourish.

Reimagining Our Food Systems

Keynote Speakers

Nancy Matsumoto
James Beard Award–winning writer of Reaping What She Sows

Leah Penniman
Co-Founder and Farm Director at Soul Fire Farm

Complete list of speakers coming soon!‍ ‍

Join us at the 16th Annual TN Local Food Summit!

Get Involved

  • Become a Sponsor

    Partner with us at the Tennessee Local Food Summit to showcase your brand and make a lasting impact on our community.

  • Become a Vendor

    Connect with farmers, food system professionals, and community leaders who share your commitment to sustainable food and farming.

  • Become a Volunteer

    Volunteer to help support the event and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about sustainable food systems.

2026 TLFS Steering Committee

Allie Beukema, TN Local Food

Anthony Villa, Villa Acres

Caroline Ideus, NW TN Local Food Network

Deana Taylor, Knowledge Quest

Edguardo Abdiel Cruz-Martinez, University of Memphis

Emily Dudley, Southeast TN Young Farmers

Irucka Embry, Getting Back to Nature

Janey Camp, University of Memphis

Jeannie Hunter, Society of St. Andrew

Jesse Fleisher, Athena’s Harvest

John Patrick, TN Local Food

Laila Malik, Rooted East Knoxville

Lindsey McKee, The Nashville Food Project

Natalie Seevers, TN Local Food

Paige Summers, TN Department of Health

Samantha Goyret, NW TN Local Food Network

Yolanda Manning, Nashville Farmers Market

Thank you to our conference sponsors who make this event possible.