16th Annual TN Local Food Summit
December 4-6, 2026
Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
Early Bird Discount Available
•
Early Bird Discount Available •
Reimagining Our Food Systems
The 16th Annual TN Local Food Summit, taking place December 4–6, 2026, at Tennessee State University 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.
Keynote Speakers
Leah Penniman
A farmer, educator, author, food justice activist, and the co-founder of Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, New York
Nancy Matsumoto
A James Beard Award–winning writer and editor covering agroecology, food sovereignty, and food culture
Complete list of speakers coming soon!
Announcing Conference Care
Riverwood House Outings will provide free childcare for kids 3+ during the event!
Pre-registration required.
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
Emily Dudley, Southeast TN Young Farmers
Irucka Embry, Getting Back to Nature
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.
