Montgomery County Councilmember At-Large Laurie-Anne Sayles hosted the inaugural Farm-to-Table Symposium on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts, bringing together farmers, restaurateurs, policymakers, and community partners to discuss strengthening local food systems and improving access to fresh, nutritious food.
Speakers included U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney and Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, with sessions highlighting local purchasing benefits, cross-sector collaboration, and ideas such as a potential Farm-to-Table Restaurant Week.
Per the news release: “Montgomery County Councilmember At-Large Laurie-Anne Sayles convened local farmers, restaurateurs, policymakers, and community partners for the inaugural Farm-to-Table Symposium. Hosted at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in collaboration with the Montgomery County Office of Agriculture, Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS), and Visit Montgomery, attendees had the opportunity to exchange ideas on the importance of strengthening local food systems, supporting local farmers, and expanding access to fresh, nutritious foods for consumers across the region.
“Our community thrives when we invest in the sustainability of local food systems that nourish our families and support our farmers,” said Councilmember Sayles. “This event celebrates what we grow, what we consume, and how we leverage the Agricultural Reserve to bolster our economy and public health. A healthier, more equitable, and more resilient economy is built upon the strong relationships we foster between our growers, hospitality industry, policymakers, and consumers.”
U.S. Representative April McClain Delaney presented a Congressional Citation to Councilmember Sayles for convening the event after offering remarks on the need to increase awareness of the role local farmers play in the county’s food economy. “It warms my heart to see our farmers, restaurateurs, policymakers, and community leaders come together at this inaugural symposium in support of Montgomery County’s food economy,” said Rep. Delaney. “I thank Council Member At-Large Laurie-Anne Sayles for her vision and dedication to supporting our local farms and ensuring a thriving, resilient community. Maryland’s farm-to-table network is stronger than ever and will help pave the way toward a brighter, more nutritious tomorrow.”
Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks provided the keynote address. He emphasized the benefits of buying from local producers. “It is a little harder to buy locally. It is at times a little more expensive,” said Secretary Atticks. “But think of it as an investment in the community, in the county, and in your neighbors.”
During the fireside chat moderated by Maryland Delegate Lily Qi, she discussed the critical role local farmers play. “It was an impactful symposium loaded with ideas and insights on how to strengthen our local Farm-to-Table connections,” said Delegate Qi. “I am honored to represent a community of producers and look forward to supporting their work to strengthen our food ecosystem and the economy.”
The Symposium was organized around specific themes, featuring panel discussions that allowed attendees to participate in meaningful conversations about new farming techniques, cross-sector collaborations, and the considerable advantages of Farm-to-Table initiatives that could be turned into a Farm-to-Table restaurant week.
Councilmember Sayles has been a leading advocate for food access, sustainability, and economic development, working with partners across the region to expand access to fresh food options and support our nation’s largest agricultural preserve. Stay tuned for more updates.”
