The presentations in this session from American Farmland Trust's Farmland, Food and Livable Communities Conference discuss how local governments can play an important public policy role to support farmers, food production and food security for all community residents. The presentations explore results from recent research on how local governments are developing and implementing a wide range of innovative programs, regulations, laws, financial investment, and other policies to address agricultural viability and community food security. Local government staff from Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, will share their achievements and lessons learned.

Session Presenters: Kimberley Hodgson, Founder/Principal, Cultivating Healthy Places, Vancouver, BC (moderator); Aaron Newton, Local Food System Program Coordinator, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; Jane Shey, former Homegrown Minneapolis Coordinator, City of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Session supported by USDA NIFA/AFRI Food Systems Program NIFA Award #2012-68004-19894