Specialty Growers

Welcome to the ISGA

The Illinois Specialty Growers Association (ISGA) was formed in 1989 to improve the coordination and cooperation among our individual associations.

ISGA is an umbrella organization for the following affiliated associations:

• Illinois Herb Association
• Illinois Irrigation Association
• Illinois State Horticultural Society
• Illinois Vegetable Growers Association

History:

The purpose of ISGA is the promotion and development of the Illinois specialty crop industry.

Originally called the Illinois Fruit and Vegetable Foundation, the Illinois Specialty Growers Association changed its name to reflect changes in the marketplace.  The name acknowledges the importance of a diverse number of crops commercially produced in Illinois.  

ISGA Facebook page! Check it out at: Facebook.com/ILSpecialty

ISGA Accomplishments - Click here to see what has been accomplished in 2012 with the assistance of your membership dues.

Download ISGA Membership - Click to see a membership application. 

Contact Us:  Diane Handley, DHandley@ilfb.org or 309-557-3662.
                  Charlene Blary, CBlary@ilfb.org or 309-557-2107. 

ISGA Newsletter Advertising
ISGA publishes a newsletter three times a year with timely information pertaining to our association in general as well as each of the four affiliated associations.  If you would like to consider advertising in our publication, please e-mail Charlene at cblary@ilfb.org for a sample newsletter and a copy of the Newsletter Advertising Package. 

ISGA Members Travel to DC to Promote Immigration Reform

On Tuesday, April 23, three ISGA members traveled to Washington, DC to meet with legislators regarding proposed immigration reform bills in the Senate and the House.  Adam Nielsen, Illinois Farm Bureau Director of National Legislation, led a group of five farmers on a two-day trip to Washington DC to meet with Senator and House members and staff.  ISGA members who participated in this IFB-led “Strike Team” effort included Chris Eckert, Eckert’s Orchard; Sarah Frey-Talley, Frey Produce; and Don Ahrens, Twin Garden Farms.  The group also included a dairy producer and livestock producer.  Over the course of the two-day meeting, the group met with various House and Senate Representatives and/or their Aides as well as the Chief Counsel of the US House Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.  Mike Orso, IFB Director of News & Communications, interviewed Chris, Don, and Sarah.  Their thoughts are captured in this audio clip.

Immigration Interviews April 2013

Central Illinois Sustainable Farming Network Workshops

Simon: Federal Grant Expands Link Access At Farmers' Markets  Click on link for more information.

Download Cottage Food Operations:  Technical Information Bulletin #44

Download Illinois Cottage Food Regulations:  Top Questions and Answers

Download Guide to Illinois Laws Governing Direct Farm Marketing

Download The Role of Local Food Systems in U.S. Farm Policy

Illinois Ag Invest Program (low-interest loans)  The Ag Invest program makes loans more affordable for farmers and agricultural professionals to plant and harvest crops, explore opportunities in agribusiness and rebound from difficult economic times.

 

2013/2014 Value-Added Producer Grant Funding Cycle

USDA published the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in the 11/25/13 Federal Register inviting VAPG applications. Approximately $10.5 million is available for this nationally competitive program from Fiscal Year 2013 rollover funds.  There is also the potential for additional VAPG dollars for this funding cycle from Fiscal Year 2014.  For more information, click 2013-2014 Value-Added Producer Grant Funding Cycle.

Illinois NRCS Announces Upcoming EQIP Application Dates

Illinois State Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Ivan Dozier announced that November 15, 2013 will be the first of four Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) application “cut-off" or submission deadline dates.  “This will be the first sign-up opportunity for Fiscal Year 2014,” Dozier explains, “I encourage all Illinois producers with resource concerns to submit their paperwork and get their projects in early.”  Click here for more information.

Good Agricultural Practices webinar to offer information on farm food safety plans

New federal food safety rules are coming for farmers, handlers, and processors. Before the rules are finalized, it’s time for all small farmers—even those who think they are wholly or partly exempt—to tune in and weigh in, said Extension educator Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant.  On October 3, U of I Extension, along with Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Illinois Farmers Market Association, and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition will present a webinar covering the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).  The webinar will run from 3 to 4:30 p.m. There is no charge for the webinar, but registration is required.   Click here for more information on the Good Agricultural Practices webinar.

Fresh Impact Tour Hosted by Frey Farms and United Fresh

Secretary Carlos Gutierrez will be leading a discussion on immigration reform on August 5.  Click here for details and registration form.  

ISGA Farmers Market Tent at the Illinois State Fair

The Illinois Specialty Growers Association will be sponsoring the 13th Farmers’ Market at the Illinois State Fair (August 9-18).  This year instead of being adjacent to the IDOA tent, the farmers’ market will actually be in the same tent as the IDOA.  Hours are 10:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.  We will be selling sweet corn, apple cider slush, peaches, cantaloupe, watermelon, popcorn, and fresh garden salads.  Plan to stop by the tent for the freshest food at the state fair!  If you are interested in working at the tent selling produce one of the days, you will receive complimentary parking and gate passes.  Contact Diane at dhandley@ilfb.org or 309-557-2107 if interested.  We need help promoting YOUR industry!

Food Safety Training Webinar

A training webinar for farmers market managers to learn about the changes to the Illinois Department of Public Health Technical Information Bulletin #30 - Sanitation Guidelines for Farmers Markets was held on Monday, June 17, 2013.  Patricia Welch, Food Program Manager, Illinois Department of Public Health provided an update of these changes.  The TIB #30 is available below, and you can listen to this 37-minute webinar at the following link:  http://media.itcs.illinois.edu/telenet/20130617/84230.html

Download Sanitation Guildlines for Farmers Markets: Technical Information Bulletin #30

Aronia Berry Field Day To Be Held August 28

U of I Extension, Kankakee County, in collaboration with Coldbrook Farm, will host an Aronia Berry Field Day at Coldbrook Farm, Momence, Ill.  on Wednesday, August 28 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.  Speakers for the day will cover a variety of topics on the Aronia berry.   Click here for more information.

Hazard Communication Standard Final Rule

New changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard are bringing the United States into alignment with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).  The Hazard Communication Standard in 1983 gave the workers the ‘right to know,' but the new Globally Harmonized System gives workers the ‘right to understand.'  Click here for the entire Rule.

Good Agricultural Practices Webinar Series Offered

A Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) webinar series will be offered by University of Illinois Extension on Mondays, July 1, 8, 15, and 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring a variety of topics on safe food production.  Click for more information

Contracts for Community Supported Agriculture Clarify Expectations for Producers and Consumers

University of Illinois professor of agricultural law A. Bryan Endres and his wife are both lawyers so, between the two of them, they have read a lot of legal documents, but when they became members of their local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), even they struggled to understand the agreement they were asked to sign. Endres’s experience as a consumer led him to develop simple contracts that can clarify expectations, avoid misunderstandings, and protect farmers and their customers.  Click for more information on the Contracts for CSAs.