Even when we’re apart, we can act together
You may not feel like a hero stuck at home – but you are! sheltering in place in the coming weeks will be what keeps the virus from spreading faster and overwhelming hospitals. You’re not alone. The…
Category Archives: Policy
Virtual Food & Farm Lobby Day is April 2nd at 9am
On Thursday, April 2nd, local food advocates, farmers, and citizens from across the state will come together ONLINE! The statehouse is closed to public gathering and we are practicing social distancing, but still want your voice…
Bringing the Next Generation of Farmers Back Home
Across the midwest farms are facing the challenge of how to keep the next generation on the farm; regenerative agriculture may be the answer. Growing up, Frank Rademacher watched dad run the family hardware store…
2020 Legislative Priorities for Spring Session
Over the past year the Alliance has been listening to our stewards’ issues and working on solutions. Our 2020 legislative priorities pave the way for resilient local food systems that support family farms, protect soil…
Join farmers across the state for the Soil Health Champion Caucus Kickoff, March 12th
We’re launching a caucus– and you’re invited. Are you a farmer or advocate that’s passionate about soil health and land stewardship? Are you looking to connect with others that share your passion? If you answered…
Small Farms are Here to Stay
USDA Sec. Sonny Perdue said Tuesday at the World Dairy Expo in Madison that he wasn’t holding out much hope for the survival of family dairy operations with fewer than 100 cows. “In America, the…
The first industrial hemp seeds are sprouting across Illinois
By: Liz Rupel, Policy Organizer Industrial hemp cultivator and processing applications went live on the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s website at the end of April. Thanks to the dedicated team at the Department, many applications…
Food safety, pesticide drift, and Buy American act on the table at the USDA Fruit & Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee.
USDA needs to hear from you! And so do we. By Molly Gleason Last week I was sitting on a plane headed towards Washington D.C. for the first meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry…
Our waterways, soil, and wildlife are a public good and farmers should be rewarded for protecting them.
Cover crops are an important conservation tool for farmers. They naturally add organic matter to the soil, prevent nutrient runoff, and keep our waterways clean. Over time they help farmers reduce the need for synthetic…
Take Action! You can make a statewide SNAP match program at farmers markets real for Illinois families and farmers
SNAP Match programs at farmers markets help our most vulnerable populations afford fresh fruits and vegetables while also keeping federal SNAP dollars in the pockets of family farmers in our state. This Spring, you have…