Boise, Idaho – Idaho Preferred announced the premier of a special video series, “Idaho’s Farm to Chef Connection,” featuring chefs and restaurants whose menus are devoted to using locally-sourced ingredients from the Gem State’s farm and ranch families.

‘“Idaho’s Farm to Chef Connection,’ tells the story of Idaho-grown foods through the experiences of our state’s chefs and farmers who are committed to bringing fresh, quality, local ingredients to our plates,” said Erica White, Idaho Preferred Trade Specialist.

Each week of the autumn season, Idaho Preferred will release a new “mini-sode” on social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter). These pieces will highlight the collaborative efforts between the featured culinary artist and their local farmers. The videos were filmed on location at farms and restaurants throughout the great Gem State, including Boise, Caldwell, Moscow, Sandpoint, and Twin Falls. Each mini-sode can be viewed on the Idaho Preferred website – https://idahopreferred.com/idahos-farm-to-chef-connection.

While the series shines a light on the chefs who are dedicated to making locally sourced agricultural ingredients an intentional priority on their menus, the real star of the series is the integration of locally grown and raised products and the producers behind them. With over 185 crops and commodities being grown throughout the state, Idahoans have a unique opportunity to experience the abundance of crop diversity through seasonally curated dishes at restaurants within their community.

"This has been a humbling and enlightening journey to showcase Idaho farm and ranch families and the unique challenges they face within the local food distribution system in such a large state as Idaho,” said White. “We hope this video series conveys the importance of choosing local farm-to-fork dining and eating seasonally wherever you are in Idaho to support our local economy and overall quality of life." Farm to fork restaurants throughout the state can be located on our website – https://idahopreferred.com/members/?categories=restaurants.

Idaho Preferred® is a program of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture dedicated to promoting Idaho food and agriculture products. Idaho Preferred provides a host of resources, including ways to find local foods and discover new producers.

October 13, 2022

Contact: Erica White                                                 

Phone: 208-332-8532                                                                                                              

erica.white@isda.idaho.gov