Linda Zellmer, Government Information and Data Services Librarian at Western Illinois University, has used data from the 2007 Census of Agriculture and a geographic information system to develop a set of maps showing where the foods consumed at the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, such as turkey, cranberries, squash, and green beans, are grown. A comprehensive poster including all of the maps shows where all of the Thanksgiving foods are grown in the United States. The maps and posters based on data from the 1997, 2002 and 2007 Census of Agriculture are available on her web site at:
http://faculty.wiu.edu/LR-Zellmer/thanksgiving.html.

The comprehensive poster titled "Where does Thanksgiving Dinner Grow?" is available at:
http://faculty.wiu.edu/LR-Zellmer/thanksgiving/2007/Turkey07Poster.pdf.

For more information about her research, or about government and legal information, please contact Linda Zellmer at LR-Zellmer@wiu.edu or 309-298-2723.

Roadside Advertising in a Digital Age

Tuesday, November 17, from 1-2:30 pm

This webinar teaches how to 'think about' placing business content on 'online location based services' such as digital maps (ie. Google Maps). This includes an introduction into digital mapping, changes in advertising, explanation of location based services, global positioning system, mobile internet, and enhancing the presence of your organization on digital maps, pictures & video.

The webinar is free but limited to the first 50 who register.

Register online at: http://www.agr.state.il.us/marketing/reservations/

On December 11 the Fruit and Vegetable Growers Symposium offered by University of Illinois Extension and Iowa State University Extension will be held at the Scott County Extension Office in Bettendorf, IA. This annual event is geared towards commercial growers. General sessions for both fruit and vegetable growers will be "Direct Marketing Ideas to Improve Produce Sales" and "Cropping Profits – High Tunnel Production Considerations", followed with breakout sessions specific to each grower group.

This year the vegetable focus is on tomato production. Topics will be "Fitting Heirlooms into your Tomato Enterprise", "Tomato Production – Varieties and Quality" and "Insect Management Updates with a Focus on Tomatoes and Peppers". The fruit focus will cover "Realities of the Potential for Grape Production in the Upper Midwest, "Potential for Aronia as a New Crop" and "Insect Management Updates with a Focus on Insects and Insecticides". Specialists and experts from both campuses will present these timely topics and be on hand to answer questions.

Register before December 4. A sliding registration fee is offered for a farm or business that registers more than one person. If you have questions or would like further information please contact Martha Smith, University of Illinois Extension, #309-836-2363. Or visit the Johnson County Extension website at www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson Walk-in registrations will be accepted.

Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. with the program beginning at 1:00. Come early to visit with product vendors who will have displays and informational brochures. The Symposium ends at 5:00.

The Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic Conference will be held January 6-8, 2010, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, IL. Three pre-conference workshops (concurrent) will be offered during the daytime on Wednesday, January 6, which will include "Grow Your Market: Creating a Memorable Experience for Customers," "Getting Started in Local Food Production and Marketing," and "Expanding Seasons and Markets with High Tunnels."

Click here for more information about the conference: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/adamsbrown/news/news15808.html

Check out this news release on a recent Leopold Center study:

http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/newsreleases/2009/092909_seiowa.html

Click here to find out more

Father Dominic hosted a popular TV show for 3 years on PBS, called "Breaking Bread with Father Dominic". People are still enjoying these re-runs today. Father is author of 5 books, as well as a popular speaker and busy teacher at St. Bede. "We scheduled Father Dominic 18 months prior to his Quincy visit, due to his packed schedule", states Deborah Lee U of I Extension, Horticulture Coordinator. "We are excited about the event and it is filling quickly."

Bread is more than just a hobby for Father Dominic. Through his stories and recipes, participants will appreciate how the actual making of bread can also: explore the role bread plays in many cultures prevalent in America, learn how bread connects us as a society, and realize how bread brings families and friends together.

The event includes a bread-making demonstration and tasting; plus a question/answer session and book signing. Cost $10. Click here to register online

The event is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and the Muddy River Herb Guild, with support from Quincy Steamboat, Ellington Presbyterian Church and the QU Franciscan Friars.

By DEBORAH GERTZ HUSAR

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

More Illinois-grown food soon could be heading to Illinois tables.

Gov. Pat Quinn was to sign legislation today designed to bring an estimated $30 billion a year to the state's economy through a local food, farm and jobs system.

The bill signing during Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield follows two years of work by the Illinois Local and Organic Food and Farm Task Force to determine the potential for growing and producing food for consumption in the state and neighboring states.

"It's good that the state government recognized the importance of a sustainable local economy and how it can affect everyone," said Gerry Kettler, director of consumer affairs for Niemann Foods Inc., who served on the task force's consumer access committee.

He said more people are interested in knowing where food comes from and making a connection with people who produce it.

"With the recent economy, it's good to get back to some of the basics, get back to what's important to you," Kettler said. "This movement is a reflection of that. I think the entire program will continue to grow as the farmers rally and support it. The grocery stores certainly have more opportunity to sell local items, and the consumers purchase it."

The task force issued a report in March highlighting a local farm and feed development strategy that officials say could trigger $20 billion to $30 billion in new economic activity annually, creating thousands of new jobs while revitalizing rural communities.

"What this will do is form a statewide council that will be able to follow up on the recommendations," said Carrie Edgar, University of Illinois Extension Adams/Brown Unit leader who was chairman of the task force's education committee. "The research has been done. The recommendations are there. This is the logical next step on how we move it forward."

Even though Illinois has one of the nation's largest agricultural economies, only about 5 percent of the state's estimated $48 billion in annual spending on food goes toward products grown in the state. The task force hopes to increase the amount of money spent on Illinois-grown food.

"There is no question we can produce locally grown fruits, nuts and vegetables. We also have the processing and packaging capabilities right here in our own backyard," Illinois Agriculture Director Tom Jennings said in a news release.

"Setting up a distribution system that moves items at reasonable cost from tree or vine to the table is the big challenge, and this legislation is an important step toward realizing that goal."

The task force, launched in January 2008, highlighted several obstacles to "growing" local food production and use, including a lack of processing infrastructure and funding, especially for beginning farmers or conventional farmers looking to diversify.

Funding also is an issue for the task force and its recommendations.

"We didn't even ask for that, recognizing now isn't the time to ask the state to fund a new program," Edgar said. "Hopefully as each of these recommendations come to fruition, there will be funding tied to them."

-- dhusar@whig.com/221-3379

WHAT: Governor Patrick Quinn will sign landmark legislation on Tuesday, Aug 18th that could lead to a vastly expanded supply of Illinois-grown food on Illinois tables. Known as HB3990, this new law could ultimately bring an estimated $30 billion a year to the state's economy through a local food, farm, and jobs system.

WHEN: Event begins at 12pm, Tuesday, August 18. Signing ceremony at 12:30.

WHERE: Front Lawn of the home of Department of Agriculture Director Tom Jennings at the State Fairgrounds, Springfield.

WHO: Governor Pat Quinn & Illinois Local and Organic Food and Farm Task Force

BACKGROUND: The new law is designed to greatly increase demand for locally grown food by building a reliable market, initially at state owned or operated facilities and institutions or those that that receive significant state support. Also, the legislation establishes the Illinois Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Council, which will encourage farmers to grow food for local markets and facilitate the building of the systems needed to get it there.

This new legislation comes after almost two year's of effort by the Illinois Local and Organic Food and Farm Task Force to determine the potential for Illinois to grow and produce food for consumption within the state, as well as neighboring states. A study released by the Task Force earlier this year, Local Food, Farms & Jobs: Growing the Illinois Economy, revealed that of the approximately $48 billion spent by Illinoisans on food each year, only a tiny fraction is grown in Illinois. A set of straightforward measures to encourage Illinois farmers to grow food for local consumption, coupled with a system for processing and transporting the food to Illinois markets could keep an estimated $30 billion within the state's economy each year.

On September 4th the Tri-State Locally Grown Conference will be held in Fairfield, IA from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information or to register, visit www.travelfairfieldiowa.com/food-conference/.

The National Small Farms Conference will be held in Springfield on September 15-17. The conference brings together land grant universities, community-based organizations and other stakeholders who work with small farmers and ranchers. The conference aims to strengthen collaboration and partnership among groups and provide an opportunity to share new ideas in research, extension and outreach. http://www.conferences.uiuc.edu/conferences/conferenceviewer2/view.cfm?conf=20033.

Fresh from the farm and the fields, Macomb's second annual Summer Dinner will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, August 8. The event, which features an array of local foods, is hosted by the Food Initiatives Group (FIG) and will again be held at the Sullivan Taylor Coffee House and neighboring Taylor Hall on Macomb's historic downtown Square.

With a menu to tempt any palate, the meal will be served in three courses, beginning with a tomato and cheese bruschetta and ending with a succulent lemon pound cake with fresh blueberry jam and creme fraiche. Guests will have a choice of braised chicken topped with corn salsa, braised beef tenderloin with caramelized shallots and red wine jus, or Shitake mushroom polenta tart as a vegetarian/vegan option. All entrees are served with wheat berry salad and whole wheat French baguettes. Guests are welcome to purchase wine or beer from The Wine Sellers during the dinner.

"It's a very magical night in Macomb, supplied by people who care for our earth and environment," said Vajo Necak, FIG member and organizer of the event. He added that last year's dinner guests commented that the food was "delightful and exquisite."

In an effort to fulfill its mission of involving community members in supporting a fair, sustainable and local food system, all the fruits and vegetables for the dinner are locally grown and the meats are from nearby farms. The produce will be purchased from Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups in Macomb, LaHarpe and Good Hope, as well as the Macomb Farmers' Market vendors. The beef and chicken are raised on farms in Macomb, Plymouth and Colchester and are grass-fed and free range. The dinner will also feature bread made from wheat grown in Macomb, mushrooms from Vermont, IL, blueberries from Oquawka, and herbs from Macomb and Adair.

Attendees will receive a guide to over 50 sources of locally grown or prepared foods and will have the opportunity to meet some of these producers face to face.

Necak said there is a nationwide movement toward buying locally grown foods for health, financial and environmental reasons.
"When you eat locally grown food it means you are receiving the freshest produce and meats from a local farmer," he said. "And it is supporting local agriculture and the local economy, which infuses our money in our area.

"By buying and supporting local foods, people are reducing the carbon footprint that comes from delivering foods from far away places. It makes common sense to buy locally and support a new profitable industry that is not only healthy to our bodies but to our environment," Necak said. "Get on board."

Tickets are now on sale for $30 each and seating is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Scott Worl at 309-221-1879 or email leslietimlin@hotmail.com. Tickets are also for sale at New Copperfield's Book Service in Macomb.

FIG is a grassroots non-profit group whose members believe that local food systems build community, enhance food security, grow the local economy, and can improve environmental protection. For more information about FIG and its programs, visit www.macombfig.org.

Contact: Scott Worl, 309-221-1879

Mark your calendars now for the 5th Annual Locally Grown FoodFest on Saturday August 8, 2009 in Washington Park in historic downtown Quincy, IL. Starting at 7 am with the Farmers Market the FoodFest celebrates the importance of local food, farms and businesses in the Tri-State area.

A twist on the popular chefs contest is a new Amateur Chef Competition. Participating teams will shop at the farmers market and then have 45 minutes to prepare and dazzle the judges and audience with their culinary talents.

You can show off your green thumb by entering the annual tomato contest. Prizes will be awarded for the heaviest, sweetest and best dressed tomatoes. You can also submit your salsa made from locally grown tomatoes in the Salsa contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 entries.

If you want to show off both your brains and brawn, then enter the adult chore course competition. As the name implies, contestants will have the chance to take part in some traditional farm chores and answer farm-realted trivia questions.

The FoodFest is a great place to meet and talk to local farmers at the Quincy Farmers Market about their fresh produce and locally-raised meat products. Activities for kids and families, great food, informational booths, fun contests and live entertainment will be available throughout the day.

To find out more about the Locally Grown FoodFest call the U of I Extension office at 223-8380 or watch for updates at

Mark your calendars now for the 4th Annual Locally Grown FoodFest on Saturday August 2, 2008 in Washington Park in historic downtown Quincy, IL. Starting at 7 am with the Farmers Market the FoodFest celebrates the importance of local food, farms and businesses in the Tri-State area.

The popular Chefs Competition will be held again this year where area chefs will shop at the farmers market and then have 45 minutes to prepare and dazzle the judges and audience with their culinary talents.

You can show off your green thumb by entering the annual tomato contest. Prizes will be awarded for the heaviest, sweetest and best dressed tomatoes. You can also submit your salsa made from locally grown tomatoes in the Salsa contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 entries.

The FoodFest is a great place to meet and talk to local farmers at the Quincy Farmers Market about their fresh produce and locally-raised meat products. Activities for kids and families, great food, informational booths, fun contests and live entertainment will be available throughout the day.

To find out more about the Locally Grown FoodFest call the U of I Extension office at 223-8380 or watch for updates at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/adamsbrown/localgrown/421.html

URBANA – Bob and Coleen Blain retired as educators in suburban Chicago in 1994 and returned to Bob's roots in Iroquois County to a farm originally purchased in 1906 by Gilbert Demierre, Bob's grandfather. River Front Berry Farm takes its name from its border along the Iroquois River in Martinton. The farm is the location of a tour sponsored by University of Illinois Extension on Tuesday, September 22.

Visitors will learn about growing strawberries, red and black raspberries, blueberries, and gooseberries as well as other fruits such as apples, cherries, and peaches. And although "berry" is in the name, the farm also grows and sells vegetable crops such as asparagus, garlic, sweet corn, and over 20 other garden vegetables.

The Blains sell their produce at farmers' markets, but because they can't always be available to their customers at the farm, they rely on the honor system for the on-farm market. Signage in the market instructs customers on self selection, weighing, and packaging of the produce. Then customers are instructed to place payment for their purchase in the money can and to record their purchases on the form provided.

"We are very proud and honored to have customers who seek out our quality produce and respect our situation enough to honestly accommodate these conditions," said Bob Blain. "This system has worked very successfully since the origin of River Front Berry Farm. We regularly brag about how our customers allow this system to work. They are truly wonderful people."

The tour will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude at 1:00 p.m. after lunch at the farm.

"The Ford-Iroquois Unit has many outstanding producers such as the Blain family who have successfully established sustainable and organic enterprises," said Karen Moore, Ford-Iroquois County Extension Director. "It's interesting to learn how these endeavors move twenty-first century agriculture forward from the traditional crops grown by our ancestors."

More information about River Front Berry Farm can be found at http://www.riverfrontberryfarm.com.

A fee of $20 per person will be charged for the tour, which includes lunch.

Registration at least one week in advance is required. Visit https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=2845 to register and for more details about each of the tours, including a map and agenda. To register by phone, contact Donna Cray at 217-241-4644. For more information, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant (217-968-5512; cvnghgrn@illinois.edu).

University of Illinois Extension is a statewide educational network that links the resources and research of the University of Illinois to the people of Illinois. The programs and workshops, which take place throughout the state, address issues involving youth, families, community development, agriculture, and natural resources. If reasonable accommodations are needed in order to participate in any of the programs, call 217-241-4644.

The tours are sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Professional Development Program, Agriculture and Tourism Partners of Illinois (ATPI), Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP) at the University of Illinois, the Peoria Chapter of the Initiative for the Development for Entrepreneurs in Agriculture (IDEA, River Front Berry Farm, and University of Illinois, Extension Iroquois County Unit Office.

Friday August 7th from 12 noon - 4 pm

The Organic Agriculture Research program at Western Illinois University will be hosting its annual field day on Friday August 7th at the WIU/Allison Organic Farm and the neighboring Kane Farm in south-western Warren County, IL. The theme this year is Cover Crop Innovation. All attendees will receive a CD with profiles of over 40 organic and conventional grain farmers in the Midwest region that are cover crop innovators. Certified organic and conventional cover crop seed will be available for pick up at the field day at discounted prices for farmers that place orders in advance. Contact Andy Clayton (217) 322 2639 for more information about ordering seed.

The field day will start with a free lunch featuring local farm products. After lunch, a cover crop seed industry rep, an aerial applicator and a cover crop researcher will give short presentations and a farmer panel (including organic and conventional farmers) will answer questions about their experiences with cover crops. The field day will conclude with a walking tour of the research and production fields (including lots of cover crops) at the Allison Farm.

The lunch, expert presentations and farmer panel will take place 1 mile west of the Allison Farm at the Kane Farm (220 10th St, Roseville, IL).

If arriving from the north, travel on Rt. 67 five miles south of the Rt. 67 - Rt. 116 intersection in Roseville to County Rd. 20th Ave N, then turn west and travel five miles on 20^th Ave. to the Kane farm.

If arriving from the south, travel on Rt. 67 seven miles north of the Rt. 67 - Rt. 9 intersection in Good Hope to County Rd. 20th Ave N, then turn west and travel five miles on 20th Ave. to the Kane farm.

The Allison farm is located 1 mile east of the Kane Farm on the northwest corner of the intersection of County Rd. 20th Ave N and 20th Stree. Signs will be posted at both farms.

Please contact Andy Clayton (217) 322–2639 if you need additional assistance.

Registration
The field day is free and open to the public but advance registration is required for the lunch. To register, please contact Andy Clayton, AW-Clayton@wiu.edu, (309) 298-1172, (217) 322-2639 or the WIU Ag Office, (309) 298-1080. The WIU Organic Agriculture Research program website can be accessed via the following link: www.wiu.edu/ag/organicfarm.

Saturday, August 1, 2009 at 10:00 am

Village Vineyard and Winery

345 N Vermont St, Camp Point, IL 62320

There are three factors, sugar, acid, and pH, which can be tracked weekly after veraison that will reach optimum levels when the grapes are ready to harvest for winemaking. Accurately and quickly measuring these three factors is a skill needed by both grape growers and winemakers alike, in order to produce top quality wines. This workshop, sponsored by Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance at Rend Lake College, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Department of Agriculture is designed to give participants hands on experience working with special equipment used in measuring and determining grape ripeness. In addition to vineyard sampling of differing grape varieties and other fruits, winemakers are also invited to bring wine samples for analysis as well.

Workshop participants will meet at Village Vineyard and Winery, which is located northeast of Quincy in Adams County. Registration fees will be taken at the door starting at 9:30am and will be $25.00 per person. The program is scheduled to run from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by lunch. Please RSVP to Gordon Cantrell at chsbb32@adams.net for an accurate lunch count.

From Jacksonville, take US-67 N/ IL-104 west toward Beardstown/ Macomb. Travel just over 13.5 miles and turn left to stay on IL-104. Travel 4.0 miles before turning right onto IL-99. Travel just over 15.0 miles, then turn left onto US-24/ 800 E/ IL-99. Continue to follow US-24 for just over 17.0 miles before turning right onto South Ohio Street. Turn right onto East State Street. East State Street becomes North Vermont Street. The winery entrance will be on the right (east).

Don't forget to dress for the weather, since some of the workshop time will be spent in the vineyard. This is a hands on workshop, and participants are encouraged to bring their personal gear, including pruners, gloves and work boots. All testing equipment will be supplied, but participants are encouraged to bring their personal refractometer and or portable pH meter.

For more details or if disability accommodations are required, please contact Elizabeth Wahle at (618) 692-9434 or by email at wahle@uiuc.edu.

Sustainable Local Foods Farming, a new academic program that focuses on the skills needed to grow locally grown foods and market food crops, will start this fall at John Wood Community College.

The program will include classroom and hands-on training in agriculture, vegetable and small fruit production, entrepreneurship, and marketing. Students will gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to be successful agricultural entrepreneurs in this emerging industry. Students will be able to earn a 29-credit-hour certificate in Sustainable Local Foods Farming. State approval is pending and is expected before fall term begins.

Technical knowledge and skills will be gained through hand-on courses taught at JWCC's demonstration market garden, located on the Quincy campus.

"There is an increasing consumer demand for locally grown foods, and this program is being implemented to help meet this growing demand," explained Dr. Jeff Galle, JWCC director of agricultural sciences programs. "Local foods require the implementation of distinct production and land-use techniques to assure a financially sustainable industry. Locally grown foods initiatives provide agricultural production opportunities that require relatively small land and financial resources as well as minimal off-farm inputs.

"The program is designed with an emphasis on entrepreneurial skills," Galle explained. "It is about more than just how to plant, care for and harvest fruit and vegetable crops. It's also about how to market them and how to run a business on a limited amount of space—a business that is sustainable."

Students enrolled full time can complete the program in three terms: fall, spring and summer. However, students are welcome to enroll on a part-time basis as well.

JWCC was one of six community colleges in Illinois selected by the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to start a pilot program, in response to a growing demand for locally grown foods. The program is a joint effort between JWCC and the University of Illinois Extension—Adams/Brown Unit.

"This program was developed with a great deal of input from a local advisory council that concluded there is a distinct need for this program in our area," Dr. Galle explained. "The two local members of the Illinois Local and Organic Food and Farm Task Force—Carrie Edgar at the Extension Office and Gerry Kettler of Niemann Foods—have voiced their support for programs that prepare students to help meet the demand for locally grown food.

"Completion of the certificate program will prepare students to successfully enter the expanding local foods and sustainable agriculture industries," he said.

GETTING STARTED

Fall courses include
-- Fall Vegetable and Small Fruit Production
-- Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture
-- Agricultural Entrepreneurship
-- Soil Management.

Additional courses include
-- Spring [and Summer] Vegetable and Small Fruit Production
-- Pest Management
-- Marketing Horticultural Crops
-- Greenhouse Production
-- One Agriculture or Computer Science Elective.

Tuition for residents of the JWCC District is $107 per credit hour. Pending U.S. Department of Education approval, this program will be financial aid eligible for qualified students.

For more information on the new program and the classes to be offered, call the JWCC Agricultural Education Center, 217.641.4558.

-30-

Mark your calendars now for two upcoming events. University of Illinois Extension and County Market are sponsoring a salsa workshop on Tuesday July 21, 2009 at the Broadway County Market. Cost is only $5 per person and you can register on-line from our homepage at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/adamsbrown/

The fifth annual Locally Grown Foodfest is fast approaching. This year's festival will be held Saturday August 8, 2009 in Waskington Park in downtown Quincy, IL. Click http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/adamsbrown/ for a schedule of events.

"Roadmap to Success for Small Farmers and Ranchers"

September 15-17, 2009

Hilton Springfield and the Prairie Capital Convention Center

Springfield, Illinois

Join your colleagues in Springfield, Illinois and register for the 5^th National Small Farm Conference. Hosted by the University of Illinois Extension, the conference will include five short courses, 160 oral and poster presentations, seven tours and over 50 exhibits.

The 5^th National Small Farm Conference -- "Roadmap to Success for Small Farmers and Ranchers"-- will be held September 15-17, 2009, at the Hilton Springfield and the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois. The conference will provide you with an opportunity to share new ideas in research, extension and outreach and to strengthen collaboration and partnership among your colleagues that are working to support small farmers and ranchers.

The conference registration fee ($250) will cover costs for a registration packet, two breakfasts, two lunches, one reception, one dinner, conference tour, and refreshments at breaks. The Tuesday evening reception will feature an entire menu of local foods, while the other meals and breaks will include some local food items. After August 25, the registration fee will be $300.

You can register for the conference online at http://www.conferences.uiuc.edu/smallfarm or you can pay by check, money order, or purchase order. Fax registration to University of Illinois Conferences and Institutes at 217-333-9561 or mail to Small Farm Conference, Cashiering Office, University of Illinois, 162 Henry Administration Building, 506 S. Wright Street. Urbana, IL 61801.

The conference will be held at the Hilton Springfield and the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois. Special hotel group rate registration is $83.00 for a single and $98.00 for a double (plus 12% taxes). Additional guests (over 2) will be $15.00 each.

Reservations should be made directly with the hotel (217-789-1530 or 800-445-8667) and must be received by August 25 to guarantee the institute rate. If making reservations by phone, ask for the "Small Farm" room block.

For more information, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Conference Chair, cvnghgrn@illinois.edu, 217-968-5512.

Producing Sustainability: Growing Food, Growing Lives, Growing Economies

Friday, September 4, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Fairfield Arts and Convention Center in Fairfield, Iowa

Three conference tracks:

Farm to Institution, Producer Innovation, Food System Advocates

Two keynote speakers:

We're pleased to have the inspirational Denise O'Brien (organic farmer and founder of Women, Food and Agriculture Network) and the entertaining yet educational Dave Swensen (Department of Economics, Iowa State University).

One fabulous locally grown lunch!

Click Here for more information and to register online

The USDA announced a 3-week sign-up period for farmers in the process of converting to organic farming to receive technical and financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Due to the short sign-up period, it is important that farmers begin applying to their NRCS office as soon as possible

Watch your mail for the 2009 Local Flavors Newsletter. This edition includes a local food guide to help you locate farmers and great food. If you do not receive one in the mail stop by the Extension office to pick yours up.

Click here to view the online version.

Beginningfarmers.org is an effort to create a knowledge and networking resource for farmers and potential farmers, educators, activists, and policy makers interested in promoting small, diverse, locally-based, sustainable farm enterprises.

By bringing together information and individuals we hope to provide a forum for sharing and disseminating ideas which facilitate the process of starting new farms.

This project is part of an outreach and research project conducted by Taylor Reid and Jim Bingen in the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation, and Resource Studies at Michigan State University.

April 21, 2009, 11:30 - 12:30 p.m., C.T. at the Adams County Extension office

Localization strategies often characterize sustainability efforts, and nothing is more central to our lives than the food we eat. Building a local sustainable food economy has implications related to local spending choices, nutrition and health, the development of strong linkages between rural and urban areas, creation of local jobs, land use patterns, and community regeneration. Learn about this rapidly growing sustainability strategy - through examples and best practices - and how it is helping to reshape our food system and our communities.

Click here to register for this free webinar.

• Rules and Regulations
• Resources for Market Managers and Vendors
• Market Issues for the Manager and Vendor
• Farmers Market Association Presentation
• Roundtable with Question/Answer Period

Registration: (Lunch is included)

• $20 at the Door (Check or Cash Only)
• Springfield - $15 if registered by March 27th -
• Mt. Vernon - $15 if registered by April 3rd
• DeKalb - $15 if registered by April 6th

Click here to register online Credit Cards Accepted

Locations:

Springfield - March 31, 2009 10 am - 3 pm

IDOA Auditorium, Illinois Department of Agriculture, State Fairgrounds 801 East Sangamon Ave. Springfield, IL 62702

Mt. Vernon - April 7, 2009 10 am - 3 pm

Rolland W. Lewis Building, 800 S. 27th St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864DeKalb/Seneca

Dekalb - April 9, 2009 10 am - 3 pm

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Center for Agriculture, 1350 W. Prairie Drive, Sycamore, IL 60178

Sponsors:

• IL Dept of Agriculture
• University of Illinois Extension
• The Land Connection
• America Corn Growers Assn
• Illinois Stewardship Alliance
• Urbana Farmers Market

For More Information:

Contact Delayne Reeves at the IL Dept of Ag 217-524-9129 or by email at delayne.reeves@illinois.gov

A workshop for anyone interested in learning about raising grapes is scheduled for Saturday, March 21^st from 10 am to 1 pm at the Spirit Knob Winery in Ursa, IL. In addition to growing grapes, participants will learn pruning techniques. The workshop will also include a tour of the wine-making facility, a wine tasting and lunch.

Matt and Karen Schulte, owners of Spirit Knob Winery, are interested in promoting grape growing throughout west central Illinois. Matt states, "They hope to generate additional grape growers in the area and create a west central Illinois wine trail."

Pre-registration is required by Thursday, March 19^th. The registration fee is $20.00 per person. To register call Karen at 217-964-2678 or by email at spiritknob@adams.net.

Spirit Knob Winery is located at 2211 E. 640^th Place, Ursa, IL which is 10 miles north of Quincy, IL. Approximately, 1 mile north of Ursa on route 96, take the first left turn onto 2250 N. Then drive 1.4 miles on 2250 N and turn left at the next winery sign and follow .5 miles to the winery.

This workshop is sponsored by Spirit Knob Winery and University of Illinois Extension.

Quincy Public Library has joined forces with local and regional environmentally conscious groups to present a variety of educational and recreational programs centered on the environment. We invite you to check out our selection of innovative "Green" books on topics such as living green, reducing your footprint, and eco-friendly building. Or, stop in to participate in recycled art crafts with your children or grandchildren or take the time to learn about your carbon footprint during the Living Green program series. Satisfy your curiosity. Join your community and go green!

Check-out the Going Green website to find out more!

Go Green: Eat Local

Thursday, March 6th 6-7:30 pm Click here to register

Three times a day you make a choice that may affect our planet. What we eat and where it comes from impacts not only our health, but also our economy, our community and the environment.

Join Carrie Edgar, County Director with University of Illinois Extension, to learn where you can find local food and how you can make a difference by eating local.

"Locally grown", "sustainable", "localvore", "seasonality"—you have heard the words, but what do they mean? A class titled Building Community: One Bite at a Time will define these terms as the possibility of building a sustainable local food system is explored. The class will be taught by University of Illinois Extension staff Carrie Edgar and Brenda Derrick on Thursday April 2, 2009. Offered by John Wood Community College as one of their community education courses, the class will run from 6:00-8:30 pm in room D022 of the Paul Heath Center. The cost is $20 and those interested can register by contacting JWCC at 217-641-4941 or http://www.jwcc.edu/communityed.asp.

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm-based business - perhaps a pumpkin patch, apple orchard, or even raising honey bees? If so, how do you know if this type of Entrepreneurial Farming is for YOU??? Come find out...the possibilities are endless!

Join us on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at the Hancock County Extension Office in Carthage for "Is Entrepreneurial Farming For YOU?", a half-day, interactive workshop, where participants will have the opportunity to meet experienced sustainable farmers, Farm Beginnings graduates, and talk with other prospective farmers. You will learn about different successful farm enterprises, and be able to ask questions about the genesis and development of farm businesses. The day will cover resource assessment, goal-setting, financial planning, marketing options, and finding land and equipment. "Is Entrepreneurial Farming for YOU?" will help you learn what it takes to start and manage your own farm-based business, and decide whether this is the path you are ready to take.

The workshop will begin at 1:00 p.m. and should conclude around 5:00 p.m. Refreshments and reference materials will be provided. Registration fee is $15 if pre-registered on or before Friday, March 6, $20 if registered after March 6. For more information or to pre-register, call (217) 357-2150 or register online at www.extension.uiuc.edu/hancock

Co-sponsors of the workshop include University of Illinois Extension, Hancock County Farm Bureau, Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs, Carthage Industrial Development Corporation and The Land Connection. Persons needing a reasonable accommodation to participate in the class should make their request known at the time of registration.

Source: Kristin Huls, Ag Program Coordinator, U of I Extension, Hancock County Phone: 217-357-2150

Putting Small Acreage to Work is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14th at the Adams County Extension office. The program features breakout sessions with the following topics to be addressed: hoophouses, small fruit, forage/pasture, organic gardening, native plants, sheep/goat health and forestry. Some of the sessions will be repeated. A general session on "Resources Available for Small Farms" will be held during lunch. Click here to register online.

Rich Pirog, Leopold Center Associate Director, has written a report on local food for the latest Science Yearbook. Check it out here: http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/research/marketing_files/WorldBook.pdf

Consumers are demanding fresh, local produce at an increasing rate and regional farmers are stepping up production, including shelf-stable products processed directly at local farms to meet that demand. To support farmers as they assess and address the legal and financial risks of marketing and selling their products in their communities, The Land Connection and the University of Illinois Extension are collaborating to host Food Rules workshops throughout the state.

"Farmers are sometimes unaware of the many rules and regulations that apply to producing, transporting, and selling meats, eggs, cheese, jam, pickles, or baked goods," says Terra Brockman, founder of The Land Connection, "but this workshop will provide information, and allow participants to ask specific questions to the regulators and experts on the panel."

Food Rules will cover federal, state, and local rules and regulations with short presentations from a panel featuring State and County Health Department personnel, representatives from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, legal experts and successful, experienced farmers. Food Rules will be co-hosted at U of I extension offices and Farm Bureau offices throughout the state starting in December in Rockford, IL on Dec 11, Champaign, IL on Jan 13, Quincy, IL on Feb 3, Peoria, IL on Feb 12, and Marion, IL on Mar 3.

These workshops are specifically oriented to local farmers who are marketing their products, including "value-added" products, directly to consumers. Other farmers, educators, policy makers, and community leaders are invited to attend, especially educators and community members who assist farmers in production, processing, and marketing of local foods.

Participants are encouraged to register for workshops online at www.thelandconnection.org/farmers.

Registration for each two hour workshop is $10 and can be paid by Paypal or credit card online, or by contacting the Land Connection office at info@thelandconnection.org or 847.570.0701. All workshops run from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm..

The Food Rules workshops were developed and will be facilitated by Terra Brockman of The Land Connection and Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant of the U of I Extension, and are made possible by a grant from the USDA Risk Management Education Program.

Through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work, U of I Extension's programs are aimed at making life better, healthier, safer and more profitable for individuals and their communities. For more information, please visit, http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/

The Land Connection is a 501(c)3 educational non-profit organization that works to ensure successful farmers, healthy farmland, and an abundance of delicious local and organic food by training beginning farmers and facilitating sustainable farmland successions. For more information please visit www.thelandconnection.org

University of Illinois Extension – Adams/Brown Unit was recently honored for their Locally Grown program at Extension's annual conference with a Team Award of Excellence and by the Illinois Association of Community Development Extension Professionals Association with a Model of Collaboration Award.

Members of the Adams/Brown Locally Grown team are: Brenda Derrick, Nutrition & Wellness Educator; Mike Roegge, Crop Systems Educator; Carrie Edgar, County Director; Shelby Crow, Community & Economic Development Educator; Laura Hyde, Community & Economic Development Assistant; Deborah Lee, Horticulture Coordinator; Sharon Knorr, Adams County Ag Awareness Coordinator; Nicky Geisler, Brown County Ag Awareness Coordinator; Christine Morey, 4-H Program Coordinator; Jenny Arnold, Community & Economic Development Program Coordinator; Darlene Spurrier, Office Support Assistant; and Carol Rust, Office Support Assistant.

Locally Grown is a University of Illinois Extension program targeting all levels of the local food system network. Most food available in local grocery stores travels in excess of 1500 miles from the point of harvest to consumption. The need and desire for locally grown and/or produced foods is increasing dramatically as consumers demand fresh products.

The Locally Grown program was developed to provide a coordinated and comprehensive effort to assist producers in west central Illinois to market locally grown products by providing information to consumers on the availability, nutritional aspects, economic and environmental impacts of buying local. This outreach and education project educates the general public about sustainable agriculture and local food systems, increases consumer awareness of local farmers and products, and assists producers in using alternative and cooperative marketing strategies. The project creates awareness and understanding between producers and consumers resulting in a more sustainable food system.

-0-

One of the criticisms of the local food movement is that local food is cost prohibitive to the low-income population. In an attempt to improve the access of fresh fruits and vegetables to all, a local food fund drive commitee is now forming.

The purpose of the drive is to raise money that can be used by food pantries and social service agencies to specifically purchase local food, especially fruits and vegetables. The produce can then be distributed to the disadvanatged populations in our area when they seek food assistance from the various agencies.

The commitee is just now beginning the planning for the fund drive. If interested, contact Brenda Derrick at 217-223-8380 or by email at derrickb@illinois.edu.

Last Sunday's New York Times Magazine carried author Michael Pollan's open letter to the next president outlining a new food and farm agenda. It is titled "Farmer In Chief."

Here is a link to the New York Times website where you can read it in its entirety.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/magazine/12policy-t.html?_r=1&ref=magazin

Where: Coffee on Broadway on the corner of Broadway and 29^th St.

When: Sunday, September 28^th, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.

What is a C.S.A.? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a model of food production, sales, and distribution aimed at connecting local farmers with local consumers.

CSAs can be anything from a cooperative farm to a family farm to a mixture of both or an entity of our own making.

Members of a CSA pay for a portion of the farms seasonal operating budget by purchasing a share of the season's yield in the beginning of the season. The members receive a weekly share of the farm's harvest.

Typically, CSA farms are organic or practice sustainable agriculture. They produce a variety of vegetables, fruits and flowers for members. The produce is picked up or delivered to one of several locations.

Often, a newsletter will accompany the weekly produce to provide recipes, articles of interest and updates on the farm detailing what will be coming up in the next week and long-term projects.

On some farms, the labor is hired, on others the members contribute labor through planting, weeding, and harvesting.

Please join the discussion!

Kate Daniels

Quincy Steamboat Company, in concert with University of Illinois Extension, is hosting a series of locally-grown dinners that celebrate the uniqueness of each season.

Held in the ever-popular Quincy Steamboat Company, the celebrations will highlight the culinary talents of Sondra Bartley and Clyde Nall and a seasonal menu featuring foods produced by local and regional farmers. Diners will also have the opportunity to meet some of the farmers who grow or raise the food highlighted at each dinner.

Dates of the seasonal dinners are October 2, 2008, January 29, 2009, May 14, 2009 and July 16, 2009. Each dinner will begin at 6:30 pm with appetizers followed by a three course dinner. The dinners will be accompanied by coffee and tea and diners may bring their own wine and spirits to enjoy with the meal.

A very limited number of tickets are available for each dinner and the cost is $40 per person. Tickets for each of the dinners may be purchased at University of Illinois Extension at 330 S. 36th St. in Quincy or on-line. Reservations for the first dinner must be received by Monday September 29, 2008. Checks should be made payable to University of Illinois Extension.

Mike and Theresa Roegge planted their first crops of strawberries and pumpkins in 1995. Today their farm has grown to include sweet corn, asparagus and an educational agri-tourism business complete with a corn maze. Roegge's Mill Creek Farm in Quincy, is the site of the final University of Illinois Extension small farms tour this year. The tour will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3.

Mike Roegge said that the farm has evolved by listening to what their customers say and following through on it. "We had been growing strawberries with Theresa's folks in Mt. Sterling for a couple of years, and really enjoyed it," he said. "We both felt that Quincy was ready again for such activities, as years ago Quincy hosted quite a few commercial vegetable and fruit operations. However, to our knowledge, there were really only one or two strawberry farms in the area then. Since then, we've added additional crops and continue to modify our crops based upon what our customers want."

Mill Creek Farm is best known in the area for its strawberries, sweet corn and pumpkin patch. Roegge said that their sweet corn is sold both on the farm and also in local stores. The pumpkin patch hosts several thousand kids each October during the school week and families on the weekends.

On the tour, Mike and Theresa Roegge will talk about how Mill Creek Farm grew to what it is today and why growing local food is important. "Theresa will be hosting school classes and we'll listen in on her educational message that she gives a class that day," said Mike Roegge. "And if we can get some warm weather, we'll venture out to the corn maze." Roegge said that the corn maze was planted late so it needs some warm days to grow.

"Mill Creek Farm is a great example of a local foods operation that has grown and flourished by responding to what the community wants," said Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Extension Specialist, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture.

A registration fee of $20 per person will be charged for the tour, which includes lunch. Registration at least one week in advance is required. Visit http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/smallfarm/ to register and for more details about each of the tours including a map and agenda. To register by phone, contact Donna Cray at 217-241-4644. For more information, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant (217-968-5512; cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu).

For more information about Mill Creek Farm, visit www.millcreekfarmquincy.com/.

University of Illinois Extension is a statewide educational network that links the resources and research of the University of Illinois to the people of Illinois. The programs and workshops, which take place throughout the state, address issues involving youth, families, community development, agriculture, and natural resources. If reasonable accommodations are needed in order to participate in any of the programs, call 217-241-4644.

This tour is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension, Mill Creek Farm, North Central Region Sustainable Research and Education Program, Agriculture and Tourism Partners of Illinois, and the University of Illinois Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program.

The Food Initiatives Group (FIG) invites you to a Local Foods Dinner at 7 pm on August 9, 2008, located at Sullivan Taylor Coffee House/The Wine Sellers/Taylor Hall (S. Randolph, E. Side of Square). The evening will showcase vegetable, fruit, dairy, meat, and grain products from the region with a gourmet five-course feast that will tantalize your taste buds.

The event is a fundraiser for the Food Initiatives Group, a grassroots non-profit group advocating for the resurgence of a local food culture that provides every person access to sustainably produced, nutritious food. Proceeds from the dinner will be used to facilitate use of the Link card--a debit card for food assistance--at the Macomb Farmer's Market.

Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased at New Copperfield's Book Service, a local independent bookstore located at 120 N. Side of Square (309-837-3052). Seating is limited. Purchase of tickets in advance is recommended. For more information, visit our website: www.macombfig.org or contact Vajo Necak at 309-837-2338 or vajonecak@yahoo.com

The 2008 Locally Grown FoodFest is Saturday, August 2nd. There are lots of fun activities and great food that will be available throughout the day. Check out the FoodFest website to learn more.

Hope to see you there!

By DEBORAH GERTZ HUSAR, Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Janet Scoggan and Mathew Logsdon readily tick off a list of what to look for in this year's Locally Grown FoodFest chef competition.

Something unique, flavorful and well thought out. Something put together and presented well.

The pair, representing Quincy Country Club, won the 2007 competition and will be part of this year's judging panel. The competition challenges five chefs/teams to turn locally grown ingredients from the farmers market into tasty dishes within 45 minutes at the fourth annual festival slated for Aug. 2 festival in Washington Park.

Scoggan and Logsdon say a key ingredient in the competition is doing some prep work, much like they do any time they cook. Having all the ingredients ready for a recipe, or mise en place, "helps things go much easier," Scoggan said.

They scouted the market ahead of time to learn what was available, decided on a menu and even made it three or four times in the country club's kitchen.

They opted for a Stacked Heirloom Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad served with a balsamic reduction, tomato foam (a combination of heavy cream and tomato puree) and spring mix greens with a fresh lemon herb vinaigrette. With no locally grown fruit available, Scoggan fashioned a Zucchini Cobbler, similar in flavor to apple cobbler.

"It was yummy," she said.

Most important was putting the locally grown ingredients to good use, something Scoggan and Logsdon do at the country club and in their own cooking.

"The quality is 50 times better than anything you get at the store," Logsdon said.

The club uses locally grown tomatoes -- often in a simple salad featuring red onion, blue cheese and Italian dressing -- and corn during the summer's "short window of opportunity" for homegrown flavor.

"Tomatoes during the winter are so horrible," Scoggan said. "When you send out a nice salad with fresh tomatoes on it, it feels better."

Both Scoggan and Logsdon enjoy the feel of spending time in the kitchen.

Logsdon started at the age of 15 working at the now-shuttered Vintage International and has been cooking ever since, including the past three years at the club running the grill and preparing plenty of steaks and salmon.

He's learned the importance of knowing the basics and building from there -- and that cooking doesn't have to be hard.

"When I learned Alfredo Sauce, it was so easy," said Logsdon, noting other "building blocks" for cooks are Beurre Blanc and Hollandaise Sauce with variations.

Scoggan spent 20 years as a nurse before graduating from the Culinary Institute in Chicago in 1999 and taking a job at the club. She does the baking, with Chocolate Raspberry Amaretto Torte one of the most popular treats, and works as the roundsman, filling in for every chef in the kitchen.

On Mondays, when the club is closed, the chefs try to prepare a nice meal for their own families. Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Fresh Peach Salsa was something Scoggan "threw together" one Monday.

Scoggan tops toasted baguette slices with flavorful Mushroom Tapenade, and she craved the dipping sauce from Restaurant Piatti in Sacramento, Calif., so much after moving back to Quincy that she called and asked for the recipe. My Favorite Dipping Sauce, served with toasty baguette and a glass of Chianti, is a favorite for Scoggan and several club members.

Bourbon Rosemary Cake is another of Scoggan's favorites, and it's the only one of her recipes that needs to be carefully followed.

"Recipes are guides, unless you are in the bakery. It is important to follow baking recipes closely to ensure success," she said. "Other recipes can be altered to your taste. Use your imagination, and have fun in the kitchen."

The same advice, especially having fun, works well for the upcoming chef competition.

"Stay calm," Logsdon said. "It's not that much time, but there's enough time."

-- dhusar@whig.com/221-3379

Printed in the Quincy Herald-Whig on 7/14/08

Mark your calendars now for the 4th Annual Locally Grown FoodFest on Saturday August 2, 2008 in Washington Park in historic downtown Quincy, IL. Starting at 7 am with the Farmers Market the FoodFest celebrates the importance of local food, farms and businesses in the Tri-State area.

The popular Chefs Competition will be held again this year where area chefs will shop at the farmers market and then have 45 minutes to prepare and dazzle the judges and audience with their culinary talents.

You can show off your green thumb by entering the annual tomato contest. Prizes will be awarded for the heaviest, sweetest and best dressed tomatoes. You can also submit your salsa made from locally grown tomatoes in the Salsa contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 entries.

The FoodFest is a great place to meet and talk to local farmers at the Quincy Farmers Market about their fresh produce and locally-raised meat products. Activities for kids and families, great food, informational booths, fun contests and live entertainment will be available throughout the day.

To find out more about the Locally Grown FoodFest call the U of I Extension office at 223-8380 or watch for updates at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/adamsbrown/localgrown/421.html

LOCAL AGRICULTURE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT "Listening Session"

Wednesday, April 9^th at 7 pm at the University of Illinois Extension – Adams County office 330 S. 36^th St. in Quincy, IL

We are requesting your help in shaping the future of an Illinois-based farmer to consumer agricultural system. In 2007, the Illinois General Assembly enacted The Illinois Food, Farms, and Jobs Act. This Bill authorized Governor Blagojevich to appoint a 32-member Task Force, charged with putting together a plan to enhance an efficient and fully functioning Illinois local and organic, food and fiber system. Task Force recommendations will be considered by the Illinois General Assembly in 2009.

Listening sessions are being held at various locations statewide to gather recommendations on production, infrastructure, public access, public education, and economic benefits that can be derived from Illinois farmers directly serving their neighbor's needs. If you have interest in helping to create the future of Illinois' local and organic food or the building of any part of a farm to neighbor agricultural system, your expertise is needed now.

We invite you to become a part of this exciting opportunity by meeting with Task Force members on Wednesday, April 9^th at 7 pm at the University of Illinois Extension – Adams County office at 330 S. 36^th St. in Quincy and sharing your experiences, information, and opinions about participating in (or desiring to participate in) an Illinois food and fiber network.

Some key questions for consideration:

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

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

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?

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 21^st 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 Task Force Coordinators: Jim Braun 515/229-2679 jbraun2525@yahoo.com or Debbie Hillman 847/328-7175 DLHillman@sbcglobal.net

Group will work to expand local markets for Illinois-grown fruits and vegetables

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today a new state task force will begin work to create a comprehensive food production and distribution system to expand the availability of Illinois-grown produce. The Local and Organic Food and Farm Task Force will meet this Wednesday, January 30 at 10 a.m. in the Illinois Department of Agriculture auditorium.

"Our state is one of the nation's leading producers of agricultural products, but imports more than 90 percent of its food," Gov. Blagojevich said. "If we could develop a system to satisfy consumers' demand for organic and locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables and keep food sales in-state, we'd have a tremendous opportunity to improve the health of our diets and revitalize rural communities."

The task force consists of 31 members and includes organic farmers, specialty crop producers, food processors and distributors, a consumer, a food retailer and representatives of the state departments of Agriculture, Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Human Services. Its charge is to make policy and funding recommendations for expanding and supporting a state local and organic food system and for identifying obstacles to an increase in locally-grown and organic food production.

"Food travels an average of 1,500 miles before it reaches Illinois consumers," Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke said. "Our challenge is to become more self-sufficient and to make Illinois produce more readily available, especially in inner-city neighborhoods where fresh fruits and vegetables often are in short supply."

The Illinois Food, Farms and Jobs Act, which Gov. Blagojevich signed into law on Agriculture Day at the 2007 Illinois State Fair, created the task force. Legislative sponsors of the act were Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston). "This task force was born out of a grass roots, statewide coalition that was motivated to take new and innovative approaches to producing and distributing local and organic foods in Illinois," Rep. Hamos said. "I'm looking forward to seeing the policy and funding recommendations presented by this diverse committee of hands-on experts."

The task force will submit its plan to the General Assembly by Sept. 1, 2008.

Wondering what to do with that 5 or 10 acres? This may be the opportunity to learn about all kinds of interesting, economically beneficial opportunities for you and your family. This program will offer ideas for both existing producers and those looking for potential opportunities. Breakout sessions will include: Timber, nuts and shiitake mushrooms; Culinary herbs; Dairy goats and haired sheep; Hoophouses; Beekeeping; Personal values; Poultry; Legal issues and Marketing.

The program will be offered on Thursday evening, Feb. 7^th, from 5-9 pm at the Adams County Extension office, 330 S. 36th St. Quincy, IL. Cost is $30 per person, which includes dinner. Pre-registration is required. Click here to register online.

A one-day workshop for anyone interested in strengthening their community and its economy by creating a vibrant local food system is being offered.

You will have a choice of two dates and two locations to attend "Strategies for Building Locally Based Food Systems in Illinois Communities". The dates of the one-day workshop are February 11, 2008 at Starved Rock Lodge State Park in Utica, Illinois or February 13, 2008 at University of Illinois Springfield in Springfield, llinois.

Participants will learn to: 1) Assess the state of the food system in their region, 2) Access existing knowledge about local food system activities and initiatives in Illinois, 3) Identify activities and projects that can help communities get started in building a locally based food system, and 4) Explore roles for Extension and key stakeholders in the food system.

The cost is $30 per person and covers lunch (featuring local food), snacks and beverages and a copy of the Resource Guide, "Beyond the Farmers' Market: Planning for Local Food Systems."

To register, contact Dee Davis (University of Illinois Laboratory for Community and Economic Development staff) at 217-244-0120 or deedavis@uiuc.edu. Registration is limited so register early to save your spot.

Deadline to register is FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2008.

The next meeting of the Tri-State Food Policy Council has been changed for the month of December ONLY. We will NOT be meeting on Tuesday December 11, 2007 at 7:00 pm. Instead, we will be meeting on Wednesday December 12, 2007 at 5:00 pm in the Adams-Brown Unit office. WISAS (Western Illinois Sustainable Ag Society) will be hosting a potluck at 6:00 pm that evening followed by their meeting. Policy council members are invited to attend the WISAS potluck and WISAS meeting. If you plan on attending the potluck you are asked to bring a covered dish to share (made from local food, if possible).

In January we will return to our regular meeting schedule. The schedule is the second Tuesday of the month, 3:00 pm in odd months, and 7:00 pm in even months, here at our office at 330 South 36^th Street in Quincy, IL.

Producers of fresh fruits and vegetables in the Tri State area are encouraged to participate in a program designed to help you in your marketing plan. The Tri State Locally Grown Conference is a day long series of workshops to help you fine tune your marketing strategies and is designed to provide you with helpful advice, ideas and real life examples for you to capture more opportunities for the goods you produce.

Producers know that growing the crop is the easiest part. It's the marketing that takes effort. The Farmers Market is probably the most common market for many growers, but expanding beyond that scope can be an easily attainable goal for any producer. Reaching local consumers thru alternative marketing techniques, such as direct sales, restaurant and grocery store sales, email and catalogue sales, paid subscriptions, and cooperative marketing with other growers are all possibilities.

The Tri State Locally Grown Conference will be held on Thursday, Nov. 29^th, at John Wood Community College, from 9am-4pm. The conference is designed for farmers, consumers, educators and others interested in building and supporting a sustainable local food system. Featured speakers include: Rich Pirog, Associate Director of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University. And, Alisa Smith & J.B. MacKinnon, who are the co-authors of Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally and founders of the 100 Mile Diet.

Twelve breakout sessions will be available throughout the day on a variety of topics targeted toward farmers, consumers and professionals who work in the food system. Speakers from all three States and Universities will present these informative sessions. A lunch consisting of local food will be served and displays highlighting marketing tools, food system work and other interesting topics will be available. Registration is $25 per person in advance. Click here for more information or to register online or call Carrie Edgar at 217-223-8380 or cedgar@uiuc.edu.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a growing trend around the world that facilitates a direct connection between consumers and the people growing their food. CSA members are community members that pay in advance for a full season of fresh produce from a local grower. This helps growers pay up-front costs at the beginning of the season, while members enjoy the satisfaction of knowing how their food is grown and savor fresh food weekly. This direct agriculture connection could potentially improve on-farm incomes while promoting local economic development in rural communities.

A new workshop called Community Supported Agriculture: Introducing Models and Production Methods will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8, 2008. This program is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and Western Illinois University, and will be held in the McDonough County 4-H Auditorium at the University of Illinois McDonough County Extension Office located at 3022 West Jackson in Macomb. The cost for the program is $15 and includes resources, refreshments, and a lunch. Participants will learn about CSAs and multi-producer CSAs and what makes them successful. Three area growers will share their experiences as owners and operators of a CSA.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, thereby obtaining more specific details about CSAs than one can obtain from published information. In addition, New Generation Cooperatives will be discussed to illustrate how they can help producers and rural communities reach up the value-chain. To assist growers considering these unique production systems, production issues such as scheduling and rotating crops, managing pests with multiple control tactics, and protecting people and the environment will be addressed.

Pre-registration is required for this program by Thursday, January 3, 2008. Please call the University of Illinois Extension Office in McDonough County at (309) 837-3939 for more information and to register.

Displays on marketing tools, local food system work and interesting topics will be available throughout the day. Lunch will be prepared by Chef Michael Mitchell of Busy Bistro and will highlight local foods.

Click here for a pdf of the brochure

Click here to register online

For more information call Carrie Edgar at 217-223-8380 or cedgar@uiuc.edu

Join us for the next Tri-State Food Policy Council meeting on Wednesday September 19, 2007 at 3:00 pm at the Adams-Brown Unit office of University of Illinois Extension, 330 South 36th Street, Quincy, IL 62301. Minutes from the previous meetings can be obtained from the Adams-Brown Unit's web site at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/adamsbrown/localgrown/downloads.html

Co-chairs Dave Moore and Greg Billingsley will share ideas and thoughts on potential community-wide efforts that will allow us to positively impact the local food system.

Please contact Brenda at 217-223-8380 or email at derrickb@uiuc.edu if you have additional questions. Hope to see everyone there.

Have you ever dreamed of starting a farm business or expanding your current operation to include a value-added product, fruits & vegetables or specialty livestock? Do you know the skills, resources, and traits that are the "keys to success" for farm entrepreneurs? This workshop, co-sponsored by The Land Connection and University of Illinois Extension, is designed to help you decide if your entrepreneurial "farm dream" is ready to become a reality. Participants will have the opportunity to meet experienced sustainable farmers, and learn about many types of farm enterprises. Activities such as a Self Assessment and Resource Inventory will help you formulate, develop, and test the viability of your farm dream.

This workshop will cover resource assessment, goal-setting, financial planning, marketing options, and finding land and equipment. Farm Dreams will help you learn what it takes to start and manage your own farm-based business, and decide whether this is the path you are ready to take. Participants will receive a packet of resource materials including a list of technical assistance providers. A supper featuring local foods will be served.

Farm Dreams - Thursday, August 16, 2007
4:30-8:30 pm - $15 per person registration fee
U of IExtension - Adams/Brown Unit, 330 S. 36th St. Quincy, IL 62301

Click here to register.

When you sit down to a meal, each item on your plate has typically traveled between 1,500 and 2,500 miles. Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon chose to confront this unsettling statistic with an experiment: for one year, they would eat only locally grown and produced food. Their "100-Mile Diet" made personal such critical issues as global warming, collapsing fish stocks, the loss of family farms, and food safety. At the same time, they learned the joys of reconnecting with community and home ground.

Alisa Smith will speak in Chicago about the "100-Mile Diet" movement and the book that chronicled her year, Plenty: One Man, One Woman and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally, at Fox and Obel Market (401 E. Illinois, phone 312-410-7301) on Monday, August 13 at 6 p.m.

www.100MileDiet.org, www.fox-obel.com

The 3^rd Annual Locally Grown FoodFest will be held on Saturday August 4, 2007 in Washington Park in historic downtown Quincy, IL. While at the FoodFest you can meet and talk to local farmers at the Quincy Farmers Market and buy the freshest produce and locally-raised meat products. Activities for kids and families, great food, informational booths, fun contests and live entertainment will be available throughout the day.

Back again for the third year is the ever popular Chefs Competition with a new iron-chef like twist on the event. Local chefs will participate by purchasing local produce from the market and then preparing a meal to be judged by our celebrity judges. Rick Rose from WGEM will be our emcee again this year for this fun and exciting event.

Check out the Locally Grown FoodFest page on this website for the latest upates about the festival.

The next meeting of the Local Food Policy Council will be Tuesday June 12, 2007 at 7:00 pm at Adams-Brown Unit office of University of Illinois Extension, 330 South 36th Street, Quincy, IL.

Minutes from the last two meetings can be obtained from the Adams-Brown Unit's web site at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/adamsbrown/localgrown/downloads.html

Please join us as we have quite a few items to discuss at this next meeting. We hope to develop an organizational process where we can maximize the time and interest of all of those participating. We will hear an update about the community food assessment and we will identify those projects that we can work on NOW that will allow us to positively impact our local food system.

A teleconferencing system has been set-up for those who are interested. Please contact Brenda at 217-223-8380 or email at derrickb@uiuc.edu for specifics about using this system. Hope to see everyone there.

...The Quincy Farmers Market that is. University of Illinois Extension in collaboration with the Quincy Farmers Market will be offering a variety of activities throughout this growing season to celebrate locally produced food. New this year will be University of Illinois Extension's presence at every Saturday farmers market. We begin this year on Saturday May 19, 2007 at Washington Park in downtown Quincy, IL. Look for our booth along with all the other vendors who come to the market. The activities will vary from week to week as the season progresses, but will include such events as:

• food demonstrations;
• gardening activities with kids;
• Ask the Master Gardener;
• selling of our Locally Grown canvas shopping bags;
• the latest information on canning, freezing, and pickling;
• schedules of other Locally Grown Events;
• nutrition activities with kids; and
• promotion of local farmers and businesses

The next meeting of the local food policy council is scheduled for Tuesday March 27, 2007 at 2:30 pm at Cathy's Corner Cafe, 5^th & Hampshire, Quincy, IL. Those attending the first meeting last month shared a variety of issues they felt needed to be included in an assessment of the local food system. The issues were divided into six major categories: agriculture; health; education; hunger; food access; and economic development. The ideas generated included everything from improving and expanding existing programs; to new opportunities in education, marketing, and economic development; to the need for a regional approach.

Please join us as we continue to examine the local food system, provide ideas and recommendations for improvement, and identify next steps in the process. For more information about the local food policy council or to RSVP, please call 217-223-8380 or email Brenda at derrickb@uiuc.edu.

The first meeting of our Regional Food Policy Council will be February 20, 2007 at 12:00 noon, here atthe Adams/Brown Extensionoffice at 330 South 36th Street in Quincy, IL. A local lunch will be served. If you have an interest in local food issues, please call 217-223-8380 or email Brenda at derrickb@uiuc.edu.

You can read more about local food policy councils in our winter edition of Local Flavors.