ISA Calendar of Events

Join ISA at the second annual “Meet Your Local Producers” (MYLP) event, a local farm expo and holiday market to be held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Illinois on Saturday, November 22, 2008. This is a great opportunity to meet the area’s farmers and buy locally produced food and wine for your holiday meals.

“Meet Your Local Producers” is a free event that will connect you with local producers who raise beef, poultry, eggs, produce, cheese, honey, wine and more. Click here to learn more

Local Harvest Fundraiser Dinner - Nov 22

A Local Harvest Fundraiser Dinner benefiting Illinois Stewardship Alliance, will be held November 22, 2008, 6:30 p.m., at Maldaner’s Restaurant, Springfield.

Please support Illinois Stewardship Alliance and join us for an evening of delicious, seasonal, locally produced food. Click here to learn more

Illinois Specialty Crops and Agritourism -
Jan 7-9, 2009

The Illinois Specialty Crops and Agritourism Conference will be held January 7-9, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, IL.

Three concurrent pre-conference workshops to be offered during the daytime on Wednesday, January 7, will include “Pumpkins,” “Biocontrol in High Tunnels & Greenhouses,” and “Federal Grantwriting Basics.” Two other pre-conference seminars will be available on Wednesday evening, January 7, on “AGR-Lite Crop Insurance” and “Labor and Legal Issues.”

On Thursday and Friday, January 8-9, the conference will kick off with Chefs and Culinary Educators Michael and Brigitta McGreal as the keynote speakers followed by the traditional concurrent breakout sessions on fruits, vegetables, herbs, and agritourism/marketing. Thursday evening will feature a banquet followed by the announcement of the annual cider contest winners and comments from Matt Lohr, Farmer, Speaker, and Virginia State Legislator.

Peach and apple production will take center stage of the fruit breakout sessions with talks on disease management, pruning, insecticides, and weed management to name a few. Wesley Autio, University of Massachusetts, will discuss “Simple Rules for Pruning Apple and Peach Trees” and “Controlling Growth in the Tops of Apple Trees.” “Disease Management in Peaches and Apples” will be the focus of two presentations by Patty McManus, University of Wisconsin.

Topics in the vegetable sessions will run the gamut of disease management to production problems to marketing. Galen Dively, University of Maryland, will discuss “Organic Insecticides for Vegetable Insect Control” and “Options, Effectiveness, and Management of Bt sweet corn.” “Irrigation Do’s and Don’ts for the Too-Busy Grower” by Jeff Kindhart and Bill Shoemaker, U of I, will also be covered.

The agritourism/marketing track will feature sessions on how to capitalize on consumer trends, how to increase on-farm sales, and how to work with the media. Other topics will include “Creating a Successful Tourism Partnership,“ “Safety Considerations for Agritourism Operations,” and “Virginia Agritourism.”

Herb concurrent sessions will include subjects such as designing with herbs, keys to succeeding in the herb business, making herbs work for you, and the future of the herb industry, to name a few.

Following the conference, on Saturday, January 10, 2009, a local foods program entitled “Buy Local – Eat Healthy” will feature Chef Michael McGreal, Joliet Junior College, who will demonstrate the preparation of delicious and exciting dishes with fresh produce. Sessions will include cooking with edible flowers and pairing wines with food.

The 20th Annual Cider Contest and the 7th Annual Hard Cider Contest will again be held in conjunction with the conference. For more information, contact Dr. Elizabeth Wahle, U of I Extension, at 618/692-9434 or wahle@uiuc.edu. Or, please refer to the ISGA web site: http://www.specialtygrowers.org/confagenda.htm.

Trade show plans have spaces for over 50 exhibitors. Plenty of time is allowed between sessions to visit with exhibitors. Space is still available for those wishing to exhibit their specialty crop products or services.

To receive registration materials or to obtain exhibitor information, please contact Diane Handley at 309/557-2107 or handley@ilfb.org. A detailed conference agenda can be viewed at www.specialtygrowers.org. The Crowne Plaza Hotel is reserving a block of rooms for $81 per night plus tax. Please call the hotel directly at 217/529-7777 to make your reservations and ask for the Illinois Specialty Crops Conference rate.

Buy Local – Eat Healthy - Jan 10, 2009

A great opportunity to learn more about using locally grown produce entitled “Buy Local – Eat Healthy” will be offered on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza, Springfield, IL. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. followed by the program at 9:00 a.m. Registration price ($45) includes lunch.

The seminar will be sponsored by Illinois Vegetable Growers Association, Illinois State Horticulture Society, Illinois Herb Association, Illinois Department of Agriculture and University of Illinois Extension.

Chef Michael McGreal, Joliet Junior College Culinary Arts Department, is back by popular demand to demonstrate gourmet cuisine with the use of fresh locally-grown vegetables, fruits and herbs including samples and recipes.

There will be additional live food demonstrations, including wine and food pairing and tasting several Illinois wines. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet local growers who supply local markets with fresh produce. Growers will have business cards, brochures and other promotional pieces available to assist with locating fresh produce grown in your area.

This program follows the annual Illinois Specialty Crops and Agritourism Conference which will be held January 7-9, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza, Springfield.

To review a detailed agenda, along with registration forms for both programs, go to www.specialtygrowers.org and follow the “click here” link under “Convention Update”.

Composting Symposium: Vermiculture and Beyond - Feb 2, 2009

ISA invites you to the 6th Annual Vermicomposting Symposium to be held at the Northfield Inn Suites & Conference Center. This year’s symposium has been expanded and will cover hot compost in addition to vermiculture so there is a little something for everyone from apartment composters to local farmers. Check back soon for a schedule of events and on-line registration.

What is vermicomposting? Vermicomposting is the process of having redworms and other decomposer organisms process our organic waste and turn it into a great natural fertilizer (called vermicompost). Vermicompost contains: worm castings ("vermicastings"), good aerobic compost from other worm bin organisms, and some material (food waste, bedding, etc.) that's on its way to the worms or other critters. Vermicomposting is easy, requires very few supplies, and can be done by anyone.

Illinois Stewardship Alliance co-sponsors this event with Illinois Department of Agriculture, City of Springfield, and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Menu for the Future - Begins Feb 23, 2009

Menu for the Future is Northwest Earth Institute's six week study course on food systems and their impact, exploring the connection between food and sustainability. To learn more about the course you may click here or go to http://www.nwei.org/discussion_courses/course-offerings/menu-for-the-future.

Classes will be on 6 consecutive Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm; the dates are Feb 23, Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. The classes will be held at Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd (3.8 miles west of Veterans Parkway). Cost for the course is $10 for a lightly used text and $3 per session you attend. Preregistration is required as class size is limited; to register, call Jubilee Farm at 217-787-6927. Also, if you are interested in carpooling, call Diane, 217-544-3997.

RECENT EVENTS

LOCAL FLAVORS

In 2008, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance sponsored a dinner series, Local Flavors, that connected central Illinois growers and producers with local restaurants in Springfield. At Local Flavors dinners, participating restaurants offered a dinner special highlighting fresh, seasonal, locally produced foods. The series opened new markets for local growers and gave restaurants an opportunity to work with local growers. Thanks to all the participants in joining ISA in supporting local farms and local restaurants!

2008 Local Flavors Dates and Locations were:

June 19: Maldaner’s Restaurant
July 3: Ross Isaac
July 17: Augie’s Front Burner
August 7: Caitie Girl’s
August 21: Augie’s Front Burner
September 4: Maldaner’s Restaurant
September 18: Sebastian’s
October 2: Caitie Girl’s
October 16: Sebastians
November 6: Ross Isaac

Farm Tour Report: Increased Productivity Using Hoop Houses

A tour of Biver Farms in Edwardsville, Illinois demonstrated to new and existing farmers how hoop houses can be used for increased productivity, disease and pest control, and season extension. Biver Farms is a certified organic farm producing a wide range of vegetables, fruits, herbs and bedding plants. Owner, Brett Palmer, showcased the 1.5 acres they have under hoop house production and shared information about growing in hoop houses. With increasing demand for locally produced food, hoop houses provide a valuable method for producing crops for an extended period in all seasons. The tour was held on Tuesday, September 30 at Biver Farms in Edwardsville, IL.

This workshop was one of several Small Farms: A Renewed Opportunity Workshops that are being held across the state. The workshops are sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program. Other workshop participants include The Land Connection, Peoria County Initiative for the Development of Entrepreneurs in Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Illinois Extension, and the Western Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society.

2008 SLOW FOOD NATION -

ISA’s Local Food Coordinator, Lindsay Record, attended Slow Food Nation, a national gathering of local food advocates, environmentalists, chefs, farmers and sustainable agriculture experts. They met to address the food system in the United States and how we can make it a better system.

To see Lindsay’s photos from the event click here and then click on "View Album" at the bottom of the page.

2008 Rolling on the River

On August 16, 2008, over 500 cyclists enjoyed riding in the rolling hills of the Fox River valley. Our thanks go to all of the participants that helped make this day a success and to the volunteers who put it all together. The event supported three Illinois environmental organizations: Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund, and Prairie Rivers Network.

INFORMATIVE ARTICLES

2008 FARM BILL SIDE-BY-SIDE -

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, which governs Federal farm programs for 2008-12, was enacted into law in July 2008. USDA's Economic Research Service's side-by-side comparison of this new Farm Act with previous legislation is now available. Summarized but substantive, this comparison is a time-saving reference on farm bill provisions. View the comparison at http://www.ers.usda.gov/FarmBill/2008

WHO OWNS THE ORGANIC INDUSTRY

As a conscious organic consumer you may think you are avoiding large food conglomerates like Coca-cola, Kraft, and Heinz. You may think that by purchasing lesser known labels your are buying from an independent producer. Well think again. Dr. Phil Howard of Michigan State University mapped the Organic industry from source to your table. The results sound an alarm. If you want authentic local organic produce, it is clear you need to buy directly from the source, local organic farmers. Click here to learn more.

CERTIFIED GROWERS AND HANDLERS OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS ELIGIBLE FOR COST-SHARE ASSISTANCE

Growers and handlers of organic agricultural products in Illinois now can recover part of the cost of their USDA certification.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has received $45,000 to provide reimbursements to producers and handlers who either obtain or renew their certification in the federal fiscal year that ends Sept. 30, 2009. The reimbursements will cover 75 percent of certification costs up to a maximum of $750. Click here to learn more.

Growing Popularity of Farmers Markets

More and more people are looking outside of the grocery store for their food needs. Farmer's Markets are becoming a popular place to shop... to fill out the grocery list. Restaurant owners are also looking locally to fill their menus. And... some growers are transforming their entire yards into large gardens. WUIS's Jenna Dooley takes a look at the popularity of Farmers Markets... and how people are going straight to the source for food... To listen to the commentary, click here

Bill to Prevent Requiring Farmers to get a Premises ID Passes Both Houses

Springfield – The Illinois Department of Agriculture recently backed down from a controversial requirement that all livestock exhibitors register their farms to show animals at fairs, at least for the rest of the year. A bill recently passed both houses that would permanently keep the Department of Agriculture from requiring registration unless federally mandated.

“Exhibitors will not be required to register their premises unless the federal government mandates it for all states,” said Senator Sullivan (D – Rushville). “This legislation ensures that 4-H, FFA, and all exhibitors can continue to fully participate in county and state fairs.” Senator Sullivan and Representative Myers (R – Macomb) sponsored the legislation.

The purpose of requiring farmers to register their premises with the National Animal ID System (NAIS) is to provide a 48-hour trace back system for disease outbreaks in livestock. Critics say it won’t make our food supply safer and will drive family farmers out of business.

“Unfortunately, NAIS would make our food supply more unsafe,” said Bridget Holcomb with the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. “It would drive many family farmers out of business, increasing the concentration of our food supply. We are grateful to Senator Sullivan and Representative Myers for seeing the flaws in this program and working to protect family farmers.”

NAIS stops at the slaughterhouse floor, although the majority of food borne illnesses are introduced after the animal is slaughtered. Also, farmers of smaller livestock herds would have to pay more per animal than owners of large, confined livestock facilities.

“NAIS is nothing more than a corporate boondoggle that sounds good on the surface, but would provide no real benefits for food safety or animal health,” said Judith McGeary with the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance. “Technology companies stand to make hundreds of millions of dollars that will come out of the pockets of small farmers and consumers, while huge industrial farms will get effectively a free ride.”

This bill passed both houses unanimously. If it becomes law it will also allow farmers who have already registered to withdraw from the program.

“I’m pleased the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Department of Agriculture all worked quickly and in a bi-partisan manner to come to an agreement on this legislation,” Senator Sullivan said.

“There’s a better way to make our food supply safer,” Holcomb said. “If you buy locally produced foods, the system is perfectly transparent, and more effective than an ID number. Websites like Illinois FarmDirect (www.illinoisfarmdirect.org) can help you find local growers.”

The bill, HB 5776, now goes back to the House of Representatives for concurrence.

Photo of Meet Your Local Producers event

Finding Homegrown Food in Springfield

Thanks to the hundreds of people who attended our "Meet Your Local Producers" event in Springfield! Attendees got to meet farmers in their area, taste-test and learn about the benefits of buying locally produced foods, and find out where to buy their products. This event was co-sponsored by Slow Food Springfield.

The Food, Farms and Jobs Act is law!
After receiving overwhelming support in the legislature, Gov. Blagojevich signed the Food, Farms and Jobs Act into law. This Act created a task force that will investigate ways to promote local foods and organic foods across the state. The task force will make recommendations to the General Assembly on how we can create a comprehensive food system for Illinois, so that more of the food we eat is grown right here in the state. For more information or to signup for the email listserv, contact ISA at (217) 498-9707 or isa@ilstewards.org.

The McKnight Foundation challenge grants:

Donations to ISA will be matched dollar for dollar for a limited time. Please consider becoming a member today, and the McKnight Foundation will double your donation. By becoming a member of ISA you are helping to save family farms and protecting your choice for healthy, farm-fresh food.

You may join online and pay with a credit card from our membership page.

Acrobat Reader is necessary to view some documents on this site.
CLICK ON the "Get Acrobat Reader" icon to download the latest Acrobat Reader free.