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Locally Grown

Find out more about Locally Grown issues and activities.

March 1, 2011

Regional Local Food and Farm Policy Meeting

Consumers, restaurants, schools and other institutions are increasingly seeking out local foods but regulatory barriers can inhibit the growth of this food and farm sector. A statewide non-profit group seeks input on the critical policy issues facing local farmers, consumers and businesses trying to grow, market or purchase locally produced foods. Illinois Stewardship Alliance's (ISA) Grassroots Policy Advisory Committee and local co-hosts will hold a series of regional policy meetings to bring local farm and food stakeholders together to provide input on a series of policy priorities developed by the committee and explore in detail the regulatory obstacles preventing further expansion of local food systems.

The Grassroots Advisory Committee was formed in December, 2010, and determined a set of policy priorities to strengthen local food systems in Illinois. Developing tiered regulations to eliminate legal and regulatory barriers burdening the local food and farm economy were among others identified at the December meeting. Previously identified priorities will be presented to regional meeting participants for comments.

Next Session: Friday March 4, 2011 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at the Macomb City Hall-Community Meeting Room in Macomb, IL. Address is 232 East Jackson St. in Macomb. Light refreshemnts will be served. The event is co-hosted by the Macomb Food Initiatives Group (FIG).

Posted by Brenda E. Derrick at 9:24 AM | Permalink |