BY KAY SHIPMAN
Illinois’ local food systems from farms to consumers will be highlighted March 23-24 at the Live Local Conference organized by Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA). The statewide event is returning to the Embassy Suites in East Peoria. Preregistration starts soon and ends March 9.
Opening the conference, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton will update attendees on a revamped Cultivating Our Communities initiative with IFB and the Illinois Specialty Growers Association. She will be followed by a panel discussion of state agency representatives on state policies and programs supporting food systems and reducing food insecurity.
Three general sessions will take a deep dive into community-related issues. Attendees will learn how the restaurant industry is helping with local food infrastructure and creating new market opportunities. The second session will demonstrate how The Common Market, a nonprofit regional food distributor, is individualizing programs for communities, including Chicago. Capping the general sessions will be community experiences in developing local food sources and food programs.
In addition to general sessions, attendees may choose among breakout sessions grouped into four general topics: financials and risk management, marketing and communications, market opportunities and technology.
The second day offers three full-day sessions with specific training and topics.
Producers may attend grower training related to the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The trainers will provide about seven hours of instruction covering produce safety, health and hygiene, soil amendments, agricultural waters, animals and land use, post-harvest handling and sanitation and a farm food safety plan.
Growers and community leaders will learn about implementing a farm-to-school program. Topics covered will include overcoming barriers, food safety practices and experiences of successful programs.
Designed specifically for farmers market managers, the ILFMA will offer a workshop covering the latest information as well as fundamentals.
For more information or to register, visit ilfb.org/get-involved/events/live-local-conference.
This story was provided by FarmWeekNow.com.