BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Local food and specialty crop growers are joining forces for Illinois’ largest conference focused on bolstering the local food supply chain.
Farmers, local businesses and those passionate about local foods are invited to join the Illinois Specialty Growers Association (ISGA), Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) and Illinois Farmers Market Association (IFMA) for the new From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference.
“Whether its flowers or food or specialty products, we truly believe that there is something for everyone to enjoy and learn about at this conference,” said Raghela Scavuzzo, IFB associate director of food system development and ISGA executive director. “We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for farmers, producers, market managers and anyone interested in specialty crops to connect and find innovative ways to build local food systems”
Combining the former Illinois Specialty Crop Conference and Live Local: Local Food & Farmers Market Conference, the new hybrid event will be held Jan. 11-13, in person at the Springfield Crowne Plaza. A virtual component is available through an online conference portal.
Early and online registration is open through Jan. 2 and is $75 for IFB, ISGA and IFMA members, and $175 for non-members. Online registration will close Jan. 2, but attendees will be able to register on sight at the conference Jan. 11-13. In-person registration is $150 for members and $250 for nonmembers.
To register or for more information, visit www.specialtygrowers.org/everythinglocal. Media interested in attending should email Sierra Henry, IFB media relations specialist, at shenry@ilfb.org.
“The new Everything Local conference brings the same volume of information typically exhibited during the Illinois Specialty Crop Conference and Live Local: Local Food & Farmers Market, now all under one roof,” said Randy Graham, ISGA chairman. “Merging these two conferences provides a more efficient way for the industry to get the resources they need to be successful. We are excited to offer this new opportunity to learn best practices and network with other local food and specialty crop producers.”
In addition to four other keynote speakers and panel discussions, ESPN analyst and former Chicago Bears player Sam Ancho will hold a fireside chat on using influence to create change in the community. Ancho helped create the Austin Harvest Market in Chicago’s Austin Neighborhood. He will discuss his experience with Austin Harvest Market and how the community came together to solve a need for their neighborhood.
More than 100 speakers for breakout sessions and workshops on specialty crop production, farmers market management, community food development, business development, funding and financing and more will be held throughout the conference. The popular Apple Cider contest is also returning with winners announced during the Thursday banquet. Other highlights include awards and a tradeshow with more than 65 vendors and plenty of networking opportunities.
During a general session on Thursday, Jan. 12, a panel with representatives from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Human Services, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency, USDA Rural Development. Topics will include new purchasing programs, loans and grants to build local and regional food systems. The panel will feature a moderated discussion with questions from the audience.
A banquet and awards ceremony will be held on Thursday and will feature the statewide Farm to Food Bank pilot program with farmers, famers market managers and food bank operators sharing an overview of lessons learned and future opportunities.
Friday specialized workshop topics will include Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, financing and fundraising, threat assessment and risk management for markets, farm-to-school training, sweet corn, agritourism, hydroponics.
“We are confident attendees will enjoy new opportunities to network with people from other parts of the industry while still getting relevant information that matters to them,” said Janie Maxwell, IFMA executive director. “The merged conference allows for better interactions from people throughout the supply chain, representing everyone from farm to fork.”
About the Illinois Farm Bureau
The Illinois Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, a national organization of farmers and ranchers. Founded in 1916, IFB is a non-profit, membership organization directed by farmers who join through their county Farm Bureau. IFB has a total membership of more than 366,043 and a farmer membership of 76,527. IFB represents three out of four Illinois farmers.
About Illinois Specialty Growers Association:
The purpose of Illinois Specialty Growers Association (ISGA) is the promotion and development of the Illinois specialty crop industry. ISGA was formed in 1989 to improve the coordination and cooperation among our individual associations. ISGA is an umbrella organization for the following affiliated associations: Illinois Herb Association, Illinois Irrigation Association, Illinois State Horticultural Society and Illinois Vegetable Growers Association.
About Illinois Farmers Market Association
The Illinois Farmers Market Association was founded in 2012 to connect the growing number of Illinois farmers markets, market managers, producers, and consumers and provide coordinated resources, advocacy, technical services, and training to ensure the continued vibrancy and sustainability of Illinois Farmers Markets. Additionally, ILFMA partners with local, state, regional, and national organizations in educating market managers, producers, and the general public on economic, health, and social benefits of providing, promoting, and expanding access for the increased consumption of fresh, local farm products at farmers markets statewide.
— Illinois Farm Bureau