On Monday, November 10, 2025, Montgomery County Councilmember At-Large Laurie-Anne Sayles kicked off the first-ever Farm-to-Table Symposium at the BlackRock Center for the Arts. This event brought together a diverse group of farmers, restaurateurs, policymakers, and community stakeholders to explore ways to enhance local food systems and increase access to fresh, nutritious produce.
Notable speakers included U.S. Representative April McClain Delaney and Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. The sessions focused on the advantages of local purchasing, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and innovative ideas like a potential Farm-to-Table Restaurant Week.
According to a news release: “Montgomery County Councilmember At-Large Laurie-Anne Sayles gathered local farmers, restaurateurs, policymakers, and community partners for the inaugural Farm-to-Table Symposium. This event, held at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in partnership with the Montgomery County Office of Agriculture, Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS), and Visit Montgomery, allowed participants to share insights on the significance of bolstering local food systems, supporting regional farmers, and enhancing access to fresh, healthy food for the community.
“Our community flourishes when we prioritize the sustainability of local food systems that nourish our families and empower our farmers,” stated Councilmember Sayles. “This event celebrates our agricultural bounty, our consumption choices, and how we can utilize the Agricultural Reserve to strengthen our economy and public health. A healthier, more equitable, and resilient economy is built on the strong connections we create among growers, the hospitality sector, policymakers, and consumers.”
U.S. Representative April McClain Delaney honored Councilmember Sayles with a Congressional Citation for her initiative in organizing the event. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the vital role local farmers play in the county’s food economy. “It warms my heart to see our farmers, restaurateurs, policymakers, and community leaders unite at this inaugural symposium in support of Montgomery County’s food economy,” remarked Rep. Delaney. “I thank Council Member At-Large Laurie-Anne Sayles for her vision and commitment to uplifting our local farms and ensuring a thriving, resilient community. Maryland’s farm-to-table network is stronger than ever and will pave the way for a brighter, more nutritious future.”
Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks delivered the keynote address, highlighting the advantages of sourcing from local producers. “While it may be slightly more challenging and sometimes pricier to buy locally, consider it an investment in your community, your county, and your neighbors,” he advised.
During a fireside chat moderated by Maryland Delegate Lily Qi, the discussion centered on the essential contributions of local farmers. “This impactful symposium was filled with ideas and insights on how to strengthen our local Farm-to-Table connections,” Delegate Qi expressed. “I am honored to represent a community of producers and look forward to supporting their efforts to enhance our food ecosystem and economy.”
The Symposium was structured around specific themes, featuring panel discussions that encouraged attendees to engage in meaningful dialogues about innovative farming practices, cross-sector collaborations, and the significant benefits of Farm-to-Table initiatives, including the possibility of a Farm-to-Table Restaurant Week.
Councilmember Sayles has consistently championed food access, sustainability, and economic development, collaborating with partners across the region to broaden access to fresh food options and support the nation’s largest agricultural preserve. Stay tuned for further updates.
