FOX CHAPEL, Pa. — Penn State Extension Allegheny County will host the Local Food Showcase March 20 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Shadyside Academy, 423 Fox Chapel Road, in Fox Chapel, Pa.

The event will bring together Western Pennsylvania food producers with consumers and food industry professionals and features an expo-style networking session. Local farmers and value added producers will be on hand representing their products and businesses.

In addition to the networking session there will be demonstrations, tastings and educational programs. Morning workshops will be held on Marcellus shale and agriculture and using social media to promote business.

The full spectrum of locally produced foods will be represented.

Purpose

The goal of the Local Food Showcase: a Grower / Buyer Event is to foster economic development through business relationships between farmers and chefs, retailers, wholesalers, institutions, for the upcoming 2012 growing season and beyond.

Cost is $50 for the full day, which includes continental breakfast, workshop of choice and entrance to the afternoon expo. Cost for the afternoon expo is $10. A boxed lunch can be added to either the full day or afternoon for an additional $12 For more information contact Heather Mikulas at 412-473-2540 or hem12@psu.edu.