A local foods cook-off and discussions centered on food safety, the business of farming and urban composting programs are a few of the agenda topics at the information-packed Feast Down East 4th Annual Regional Conference 8 a.m..-4 p.m. Feb. 6 at the University of North Carolina Wilmington Burney Center.

Feast Down East is a nonprofit effort working to boost small farms and the region's economy by increasing the public’s consumption of local foods.

Marcia Caton Campbell, executive director for the Center for Resilient Cities, will kick-off the conference with a presentation on urban and regional planning and its role in building resilient community food systems.

“We need our government leaders and community stakeholders to recognize the potential impact a strong local food system can have on a region’s economy,” said Leslie Hossfeld, Feast Down East co-founder and executive director.

The conference will include workshops for farmers, would-be farmers, chefs, food buyers, foodies, local food advocates, gardeners, public health professionals, urban and regional planners, nonprofits and government leaders.

Also during the event, the Feast Down East Agrarian Stewardship will be presented to one farmer and one chef who has provided exceptional support for Feast Down East’s work and local farm communities.

Chefs also will participate in a secret-ingredient cook-off featuring foods produced in southeastern North Carolina.

The conference fee is $10 for farmers and the general public and $30 for government/civic agencies. The price includes breakfast and lunch. Seating is limited. Registrants may bring at least one non-perishable food item to be donated to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. To register for the conference, visit www.feastdowneast.org or call Feast Down East director Jane Steigerwald at 962-7105.