Policy
Good local food and farm policy can help grow local food systems in many ways. By creating regulations that expand the sales of locally produced foods, offering programs and technical assistance for beginning farmers, and creating programs to connect underserved communities with fresh, healthy local fruits and vegetables – policies have supported the growth of local food systems. Policy reforms are needed to overcome barriers and require active and engaged stakeholders to bring change. Illinois Stewardship Alliance (ISA) is working hard to drive policy change. ISA represents sustainable agriculture, family farms, and local food producers to policymakers in Springfield and Washington. ISA tracks legislation; supporting good policy and opposing bad policy that promotes sustainable agriculture and local foods. ISA also organizes an annual lobby day to bring local food and sustainable agriculture consumers, advocates, and producers together with their legislators.