News Date: 09/13/2011
The Illinois Local Food Farms Jobs Council will begin meeting at the Illinois Department of Agriculture to build momentum upon the passage of three new state laws. The new state laws - including two that will allow certain homemade foods to be sold at farmers' markets and another to increase agriculture-related tourism opportunities - will be discussed at upcoming meetings, in addition to dialogue to take place regarding municipal food plans and the 2012 Farm Bill.
The Council, a community-led quasi-governmental body is accelerating plans to carry out its unique charge from the General Assembly. Created as a result of the Illinois Local Food Farms and Jobs Act of 2009, the Council consists of 35 volunteer directors appointed by the governor. This geographically-dispersed membership includes representation from the private, public, civic and educational sectors.
"Homegrown economic opportunity, rural and urban revitalization, public health and emergency preparedness are key objectives driving local food projects in urban, suburban, exurban and rural communities statewide," says Council co-president Jim Braun. "Food is a tool that can open people's eyes to ways to create community transformation." For more information, click here.
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