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