University of Nevada Cooperative Extension invites anyone passionate about locally grown food to attend “Local Foods Coming of Age: an overview of market, financial and community impacts,” 11 a.m.-noon, Sept. 13, at the Extension office at 4955 Energy Way in Reno.

“You’ll understand how the local food market relates to you, how it fits into your community and how to keep it going” Extension Educator Holly Gatzke said.

The overview is provided by Agribusiness Professor and Extension Economist Dawn Thilmany, with Colorado State University. She will be discussing the connection between local food and farm viability, agritourism markets and some of Colorado State University’s work on market channels.

Thilmany specializes in economic development related to local, organic and other value-added food market supply chains, as well as food market analysis and consumer behavior. Her work on agricultural diversification also includes work with agritourism in Colorado and the western U.S. She is co-director for Colorado State University’s Regional Economic Development Institute and leads several national projects.

“Dawn’s worked across the nation studying local food markets. She’s the expert, so we’re excited she’s coming to speak,” Gatzke said.

Register by Sept. 11 by sending an email to uncerenovideo@lists.unr.edu. For more information, contact the Extension office at 775-784-4848. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the presentation.