2009 Accomplishments

·        ISGA lobbied Congress on specific components of the Farm Bill that will directly benefit specialty growers.  These include:

1)   Funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and expansion of the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program.

2)   Expansion of Specialty Crop Block Grants program that can be used for improving food safety, investing in infrastructure, enhancing market opportunities and supporting research aimed at specific industry needs.

3)   Establishment of a new Specialty Crop Research Initiative to provide science-based tools that address the needs of specific crops and regions and which continue advancements in productivity and technology, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality, taste and nutrition of fruits and vegetables.

4)   Expansion of the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to schools in all 50 states, specifically targeting students from low-income families.

5)   Investment in early discovery and eradication to combat invasive plant pests and diseases.

6)   Creation of a new permanent disaster program for which apples and other specialty crops will be eligible.

7)   Creation and funding of a new Clean Plant Network for the express purpose of diagnosing and eliminating plant pathogens during propagation.

·        Continued to promote the logo, “Illinois – Where Fresh Is,” which was developed by ISGA in conjunction with Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Marketing and Promotion.  The logo has been used to promote the farmers’ market tent at the Illinois State Fair and is also being used to promote the freshness of Illinois produce at supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and for producer use on packaging and advertising.  The ISGA office has an inventory of produce stickers, carton labels, signage, and price cards incorporating the logo.

·        Participated in the farmers’ market promotion at the Illinois State Fair located in the Agri-Expo area.  The Association sold sweet corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, apple cider slush, peaches and popcorn. The event is not only a fundraiser for the Association (netted $9,833) but also promotes the freshness and outstanding quality of Illinois produce.

·        ISGA leadership attended the Illinois Ag Legislative Roundtable discussions which includes several commodity organizations and agri-businesses representing Illinois agriculture.  The purpose of the meeting was to establish an “Agenda for Illinois Agriculture” which was agreed upon by all parties present.  Representatives from several of the organizations will spend time in Washington, D.C. lobbying for the agenda.

·        With regards to the annual conference, ISGA has joined forces with Agritourism Partners of Illinois (ATPI) and has included an agritourism tract of educational sessions in the conference agenda.  Also, new to this year's conference, two organic tracts have been added.  The conference has been re-named the Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism and Organic Conference and Trade Show.

·        ISGA is a dues-paying member of C-FAR with representation on the five working groups:  (1) Expanding Ag Markets; (2)  Rural Economic Development; (3)  Ag Production Systems; (4)  Human Nutrition and Food Safety; (5)  Natural Resources and Environment.

·        ISGA collaborates with University of Illinois Extension, ATPI, and Illinois Department of Agriculture in hosting the annual Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic conference and trade show.

·        ISGA applied for a Specialty Crop Block Grant to assist with subsidizing the expenses of the 2010 & 2011 Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic Conferences.  Grant amounts received for 2010 and 2011 are $15,000 and $22,162 respectively.

·        ISGA has access to a 30-minute monthly radio spot on RFD Illinois to discuss specialty crop issues.  Members are encouraged to participate and, at the same time, have an opportunity to promote their own businesses.

·        ISGA published a revised edition of Prairie Bounty of Illinois, a guide to direct and community farm markets in the Prairie State.  The publication has also been placed on-line at www.specialtygrowers.org.  With the publication being available on-line, it can be updated on an as-needed basis.

·        Representatives of Prairie Bounty of Illinois, Farm Direct, Agriculture Tourism Partners of Illinois (ATPI), and MarketMaker have created a central registration web site whereby producers of ag-related products can register their farm markets.  Previously, each of these entities had their own publication and web site.  In the Spring of 2008, we launched a central registration site which is housed on the Market Maker web site.  Farm markets are able to register their information or update their information at any time throughout the year.

·        ISGA has created its own website which contains several pages of general information about the association.  In addition, each affiliated association has their own page to list activities and pertinent information.  An added benefit for members is their ability to link their own personal web sites to ISGA’s web site.  The web site address is:  www.specialtygrowers.org      

·        ISGA publishes a newsletter called the Illinois Specialty Grower News.  Each affiliated association has an opportunity to communicate with their members via the four pages allotted to each association.