if you’re interested in growing or eating local food …

2 comments June 17th, 2008

… there is a local event at 6 p.m. wednesday at klehm arboretum and botanic garden, 2715 s. main, rockford, on ways to promote local and organic foods.i just got off the phone with margaret larson, who works full-time at the university of illinois extension in stephenson county and part-time in winnebago county. she’s excited that a state task force (illinois local and organic food and farm task force) is holding a listening session here, because she’s been a promoter of buying/growing local foods.

according to the press release:

Everyone is invited to attend to share experiences, information, and opinions about participating in (or desiring to participate in) an Illinois food and fiber network.

Some key questions for consideration are:

1.  What opportunities in local food and fiber do you envision can be derived from Illinois ’ rich agricultural soils?

Self sufficient communities with central facilities in place where farmers can bring their products for distribution in the marketplace. More organic famers in Northern Illinois.

2.  What obstacles do you see for your farm or business that hinder the development or expansion of farmer to consumer networks?

Transportation & the rising cost of fuel makes it difficult and costly for individuals to transport their produce and other products. A central dropoff location and distribution point similar to “Homegrown Wisconsin” would make sense for Illinois. Given that Chicago has such a large market, farmer coops are willing to deliver to Chicago but bypass areas like Rockford. There is a lack of organic farmers in Winnebago County which makes it difficult for retail outlets such as ours to carry more local products.

The lack of Poultry processing facilities in Illinois makes it difficult for farmers to market their poultry and nearly impossible for retail outlets to carry local poultry without extreme difficulty. The only federally inspected poultry processing plant in Illinois is located in southern Illinois (5 hours south of Winnebago county). A poultry or multi-species processing facility would be of great importance in Northern Illinois. The lack of a facility prohibits area farmers from raising poultry.

Dept of Ag requirements make it costly and difficult for farmers to produce eggs to be sold at the retail level. Centrally located facilities similar to “Farmers Creamery” located in Kalona, IA, where farmers can bring their product and distribute it from there. One facility that inspects eggs, processes dairy, & markets the products would make it easier for farmers to concentrate on what they do bast, farming, while at the same time, ensuring them a market for their products and easing their burden.

3.  What do you as a consumer of Illinois agricultural products envision or want to see changed?

4.  What policy changes as a farmer, businessperson, or consumer would you like made at the State level to help you begin, increase the efficiency of, or complete your endeavor?

More incentives for farmers to transition to organic. County “buffer laws” put in place to prevent contamination of organic crops.

5.  Are there legal impediments that now hinder you?

6.  What else must be done to help you reach your goal of providing, distributing, or purchasing Illinois farm products?

If you want to participate in creating 21st Century farmer to consumer networks in Illinois that will satisfy consumer demand, create jobs, provide economic opportunity, and revitalize Illinois ’ rural communities, please join us at this listening session.

For more information, contact Larson at 815-238-1869 or mklarson@illinois.edu …