Catfish with a Cause: Inside CAIC’s Producers Unveiled 2025

Producers Unveiled 2025 includes a catfish demo, but there’s a lot more to it than just getting a tasty
bite to eat. Blue and Flathead catfish are invasive species that have wreaked a tremendous amount
of havoc on Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem for many years. In fact, the state just appointed its first
Invasive Fishes Program Manager in 2023 to address the growing problem. While a number of
methods are being used to eliminate these harmful species, eating the problem seems to be one of
the most effective. Many people who try catfish find it to be a scrumptious treat. Furthermore,
catfish is rich in protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, potassium, and vitamin D.

Who's Cooking?

David Murray from Caroline Culinary Arts Center is our chef for the event. He’s been passionate
about cooking since he took Culinary Arts in high school. David especially loves preparing seafood
and teaching others how to cook nutritious, delicious food themselves.

 

What’s more, David’s catfish demo isn’t the only thing on the menu. Producers Unveiled is all about
helping farmers, growers, ranchers, fishers, and others come together to share and learn new ideas, expand professional networks, and come up with new ideas for value-added products that will
improve the lives of people throughout the Delmarva region.

Our Presenter line-up includes:

Gayle Galbraith, Federal Brewing Company – Keynote Speaker: Gayle is a former corporate executive turned wellness coach and entrepreneur. Through Federal Brewing Company, she’s crafted a line of gut-healthy, fermented beverages that support well-being and taste amazing. Join us at Producers Unveiled to hear how she built her brand and continues to grow with purpose.

Christina Schindler, Modern Stone Age Kitchen: This dynamic duo blends ancient wisdom with modern science to transform the way we think about food. From fermentation to foraging, their work at MSAK in Chestertown, MD, is reshaping health and sustainability. Learn how to eat like a human at Producers Unveiled 2025!

Queon Jackson, Summer J. Artisan Ice Pops: Bringing a burst of flavor to Delaware’s food scene, Queon and his team craft healthy ice pops using fresh fruit, in accordance with CACFP standards. Come hear how Queon is redefining cool with purpose. Don’t miss your chance to taste the pops for yourself. Keep it Fresh!

Vanessa Butts, Frost Bite-Freeze Dried Treats:
Vanessa turned her freeze-dried treat business from a home-based cottage food operation into a full commercial kitchen in just four months. She’s now scaling up and exploring new markets with the support of CAIC. Taste her creations and hear her story at Producers Unveiled on June 4th!

Rocco SantasieraRocco 6 Shooters Hot Pepper Co: Rocco is an up-and-coming value-added producer with bold ideas and big flavor. He’s currently working alongside CAIC’s team to develop and launch his products. Get some spicy samples at Producers Unveiled and stay tuned for what’s next!

Why Producers Unveiled?

CAIC has been around since 2020, providing farmers, growers, and agribusiness owners with the
training, mentoring, and resources they need to succeed in their fields. In fact, many of the
successful speakers and vendors at our events are former alumni.

However, we know from experience that you can’t get everything you need from a single source.
Networking plays a huge role in the success of any business in the agricultural industry because:

  • It enables you to learn from first-hand experience.
  • It inspires new ideas and innovations.
  • You learn what works and what doesn’t.
  • You connect with people who you can help and who can help you in return.
  • You gain new perspectives
  • It helps you stay up to date on new trends and technologies.

Producers Unveiled is all about connecting individuals involved in agriculture in the Delmarva region. This includes not just producers, growers, and farmers but also local government officials who can offer insight on the regulations and permitting.

 At the same time, Producers Unveiled isn’t just about learning and professional growth. It’s also about having fun. Farmers are some of the hardest-working people on the planet. They don’t punch in and punch out. They’re always on call if a storm is threatening the crops, an animal gets sick, or machinery stops working. In addition to classes and courses, we offer a chance for you to step back and enjoy life. There are plenty of free samples to satisfy every type of taste bud. We offer a scrumptious lunch that includes turkey BLT wraps, roast beef and brie on ciabatta, Caprese salad, pasta salad, and house-made Old Bay chips.

 

Producers Unveiled is an ongoing yearly event that many come back to year after year. We also get a steady stream of newcomers at each event as word spreads about what the event offers. We look forward to meeting you there and being part of your journey as you build your business.

 

Space is limited, so sign up today, and be sure to tell your friends and family about the event! We
want to help as many people as possible learn the ins and outs of the agricultural industry in our
area

What Past Attendees Say

There are people who are incredibly talented and passionate about growing [produce] but may not
necessarily have the same skill set for growing a business and be able to do it profitably. … You need
to be able to balance the art and the passion with the business fundamentals, and that’s where the
Innovation Center comes in.” – Suzanne Hogan, business development consultant and Producers
Unveiled 2024 attendee.

CAIC is giving people the information and the support that they need to grow these businesses.
There’s been a wealth of creative ideas presented today.” – Mary Handley, Comptroller Public
Engagement Officer and Producers Unveiled 2024 attendee.

A Shout-Out to Our Sponsors

CAIC is a non-profit initiative dedicated to helping farmers, growers, and value-added producers
reach their long-term goals. We’re very thankful to all our sponsors in the local community who
support us as we give back to those who work in one of America’s most vital industries.

Silver Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

 

© 2025 Chesapeake Agriculture Innovation Center (CAIC). All rights reserved.
CAIC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting value-added producers and agribusinesses across the Delmarva region.
For more resources, programs, and support, visit www.caic.org.

STAY IN TOUCH

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MINI-GRANTs

Mini-Grants up to $5,000 are available for:
– Market Research and Validation of Target Market
– Customer Acquisition
– Product Development Initiatives
– Food Safety Classes
Eligibility
Value-added producers and companies with traction ($20,000 or more in yearly revenue) in Maryland and Delaware are eligible to apply for Mini-Grants. Participants may apply once for each of the categories. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a unique and differentiated product or service that incorporates an aspect of innovation or technology in its production, processing, distribution, or other element of the food supply system.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Award decisions will be made and funds will be available no later than three weeks following the receipt of a completed application.
Application Process
Applicants must submit Mini-Grant proposals by filling out the form at this link. Copy(ies) of quote(s), proposal(s), estimate(s), or any other supporting documents.

ACCESS TO SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS (SMES)

CAIC offers access to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who can offer authoritative advice based on their deep knowledge and experience in a specific area. See the ADVISORS page of this Web site to learn more about the SMEs who are available to CAIC participants.