Illinois Stewardship Alliance

There are so many good reasons small and diverse farms struggle to access USDA NRCS programs that support farmers in protecting soil and water. Check out this new report by our friends at Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) 👇

Congratulations, Matt!

We're still feelin' it too, Brooke! A record-setting 110 members joined our virtual Annual Meeting on Wednesday to network, celebrate, and build power. Members set big & bold plans for a 2025 policy agenda, new three-year strategic plan, and a new long-term policy platform for a just transition to a more just and regenerative food and farm system.

📅 Don't forget, tonight is the big night for our Annual Membership Meeting! It’s time for Alliance Members to vote on plans and priorities for 2025 – and you’re in charge. You'll join other members like you at our Annual Meeting to celebrate, network, learn, and strategize for the year to come. You will also look ahead to 2025 and beyond with a preview of our new five year Strategic Plan. You'll also get to cast your vote on the proposed first-ever long term Policy Platform for the Alliance and the proposed 2025 Food & Farm State Policy Agenda. If you haven't already registered or become a Member, double-check your Membership status and register for tonight's meeting here: https://lnkd.in/gm369wAd

You, your idea, your farm, or your organization could be front and center at the upcoming annual Soil Health Week in March 2025! The application is now open for you to propose an event, workshop, speaker, screening, field day, or anything you dream up to celebrate one of our state’s most precious resources: our soil. 🪱 🌱 👉 Submit Your Event Proposals Here: https://lnkd.in/gtKmHeu7 Last year, 22 partners hosted over 30 events during the week. Soil enthusiasts had the opportunity to attend in-person and virtual farm tours, dive deep into climate discussions, and hear from experts across the U.S. on why soil should be protected and celebrated. We are keeping Soil Health Week Host tradition going by giving you the opportunity to bring your soil ideas to the table and make Soil Health Week a powerful celebration that reaches even more audiences across the state.     What do you need in order to host an event during Soil Health Week? 🥕 An event idea! Events may be virtual or in-person. Perhaps a presentation on a topic relating to soil health or climate change, a coffee chat to discuss best practices, an invite to a farm tour/field day, or something else entirely. 🥕Propose a date and time during March 3-9. You may need to be flexible to accommodate multiple events. 🥕Have a location in mind (online or in-person) 🗓️ Proposals are due on February 10th. 🗓️   🚦 If your event is given the green light, here’s what you can expect: ✅ A unique online registration form for your event that you can share widely ✅ Marketing toolkit for you to use to promote your event complete with tips and template copy to promote your event. The Alliance can offer some marketing support too! ✅ Optional biweekly calls for hosts and event planning committee to receive support ✅ Your logo and social media handles added to Soil Health Week material Learn more and submit your proposal here: https://lnkd.in/gtKmHeu7

From all of us at the Alliance, we honor and extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the veterans who have bravely served our nation. Your dedication and sacrifice have safeguarded our freedoms, and we are forever grateful for your service. A special thank you to our veteran farmers who continue their mission of protection by nourishing us all. Your work in growing fresh, sustainable food keeps our nation strong in more ways than one. Thank you for your continued service to both our country and our communities. To all veterans, thank you. Today and every day, we salute you. Do you know a veteran farmer? Tag them or their farm in the comments below and lets show them some gratitude! #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #VeteranFarmers #Gratitude

Great funding opportunity for farms & food businesses!

Have you heard?! We're hiring for two new positions! The Alliance is currently seeking an experienced and committed Policy Organizer to expand our pool of farmers who are passionate about soil health, water quality, and climate resilience. We are also looking for a passionate and detail-oriented Event Coordinator to play a pivotal role in the planning, coordination, and execution of Soil Health Week in 2025, March 3 - 9 and Soil Healthy Lobby Day, tentatively scheduled for March 5th. If you or someone else you know may be interested in these positions, we encourage you to read more and apply here or share to your network: https://lnkd.in/gfDHyrpm

We're counting down the days to the Illinois Stewardship Alliance Farm to Fork Feast coming up on Saturday, October 12th in Naperville! We have an amazing catalog of food and farm items in this year's fundraiser auction that attendees will get to bid on including some amazing locally grown goods from our farm members all across the state. For instance, in our farm products category, ticket holders will get to bid on: 🥕 A bountiful bi-weekly floral and veggie CSA from Wild Trillium Farm valued at $750 🥞 🍁 A gift box from Funks Grove Heritage Fruits & Grains filled with food grown on their farm including Enjoy a half-pint of bourbon barrel-aged sirup, large package of ‘The Whole Four Acres’ pancake mix 🐝 A basket including an assortment of locally made food items like honey, jams, pickled products, pantry items apothecary items and $50 gift certificate from Tulip Tree Gardens Co. to use at their storefront, Village Farmstand in Evanston 🌽 🍿 🥖 And from Hazzard Free Farm, farmer and Alliance member Andrea Hazzard brings you a carefully curated selection of the finest heirloom and ancient grains from around the world all grown and processed at a Midwestern family farm that's been operating since 1847. Her whole grain products are grown without chemicals, they are unbleached, unbromated and non-GMO. In this auction item you'll enjoy: Rolled Oats, Cornbread Mix, Popcorn and more! All this plus many more auction items (more previews to come) and an amazing seasonal farm to fork feast! See more items, preview the dinner menu, and get your tickets for this fundraiser right here before it's too late: https://lnkd.in/g5r2TH7U