Sacramento, CA - Named the ‘Farm-to-Fork Capital of America' in 2014 by Mayor Kevin Johnson, the Sacramento region's agricultural and food economies continue to gain national traction. To further accelerate the region's Farm-to-Fork identity, the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) recently hired two full-time staff members to manage the programs of the Farm-to-Fork initiative.

The new farm-to-fork program manager and public relations manager will help to guide the program, enhance community participation and increase awareness of the Sacramento region's farm-to-fork foundation throughout the country and world.

Farm-to-Fork Program Manager Nicole Rogers will oversee the farm-to-fork initiative and help to further the Sacramento region's identity as the Farm-to-Fork Capital. Nicole is not a stranger to the area's restaurant industry, having joined the SCVB after six years as a marketing strategist for Chipotle Mexican Grill in the greater Sacramento region. In her role at Chipotle, Nicole was responsible for building key partnerships and sponsorships throughout the area. Prior to working with Chipotle, Nicole spent several years managing expansive food-based programs at national and boutique public relations agencies.

Farm-to-Fork Public Relations Manager Kari Miskit will lead media relations and communications efforts related to the farm-to-fork initiative and its components. Prior to joining the SCVB, Kari spent nine years with the Sacramento office of Edelman, the world's largest public relations agency. At Edelman, Kari led consumer and tourism media relations campaigns for a variety of local, statewide and national organizations, and most recently served as the media liaison for the Westfield Galleria at Roseville. A Sacramento native, Kari began her career working in boutique consumer public relations.

"The passionate and sometimes overwhelming response to the farm-to-fork initiative cemented the need for the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau to expand our team in order to effectively grow the program," said SCVB Senior Vice President Mike Testa. "The addition of Nicole and Kari signify the SCVB's continued commitment to ensuring that the Sacramento region is known as the Farm-to-Fork Capital not just locally, but throughout the United States."

The SCVB led the inaugural farm-to-fork effort in 2013 that sparked and encouraged a region-wide movement. The organization is now focused on continuing to nurture the farm-to-fork identity and to establish a strong, year-round initiative that stretches well beyond the September celebration.

 

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About America's Farm-to-Fork Capital

Sacramento is the capital city to the largest producing state of agriculture in the nation. Locally, 70 percent of the region's land is agricultural, forest or other open space. The region also contains more than 1.4 million acres of active farmland and 40 regional farmers markets-including the largest California Certified Farmers Market in the state. Diners across the country enjoy meals containing ingredients produced in the Sacramento region. Led by the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, the farm-to-fork initiative is a year-round endeavor and collaborative process with the area's farmers and growers, chefs and restaurants, regional elected officials, and the people and organizations who are dedicated to the region's collective food system. More information can be found at farmtoforkcapital.com.