The Robert C. Byrd Institute and the West Virginia Food-and-Farm Coalition will present the second “Craft: A Farm-to-Bottle Summit” Oct. 23 in Fairmont, West Virginia.
To maintain momentum in the emerging craft-beverage economy, the summit has been established to support the production of sodas, teas, beers, wines, and spirits, according to Bill Woodrum, RCBI director of entrepreneurship and agricultural innovations.
Participants may explore ways that craft producers partner with and engage various interests in agriculture, hospitality, and tourism to build markets for this growing business sector, Woodrum said.
“This event is a must for brewers, farmers, retailers, and others in the region who are interested in becoming part of this rapidly expanding market,” he said.
“As an added bonus, attendees will have the opportunity to sample some of the unique beverages already produced in our region.”
The keynote speaker will be Charles Bockway, a craft beverage aficionado and the publisher of BrilliantStream.com, a website focused on the industry in West Virginia and the surrounding Appalachian region.
Bockway will moderate a panel discussion that will be led by D.J. Cassell, co-owner and operator of Fairmont’s Rambling Root restaurant and brewpub.
The free event will run from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Rambling Root, 101 Fairmont Ave. in Fairmont.
Participants may register at rcbi.org/go/craft2. For more information, contact the Food-and-Farm Coalition’s Audra O’Dell at aodell@wvfoodandfarm.org or 304-808-1310.
