2007 Accomplishments

What Have We Done for You Lately:

·        ISGA submitted an application to USDA Risk Management Agency for bringing the AGR-Lite Crop Insurance program to Illinois.  AGR-Lite is a whole-farm revenue protection plan of insurance which would provide a risk management tool for many specialty growers.   

·        ISGA lobbied Congress for Federal Disaster Assistance to assist fruit growers affected by the April 2007 freeze.  Disaster assistance was approved for crop losses in 2005, 2006, and for any crops planted prior to February 28, 2007.  To be eligible for disaster assistance the crop must have been insured by Federal Crop Insurance or enrolled in the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). 

·        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.  Logo has been used to promote the farmers’ market tent at the Illinois State Fair.  Logo is also being used to promote the freshness of Illinois produce at supermarket promotions, farmers’ market promotions, 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 but also promotes the freshness and outstanding quality of Illinois produce. 

·        ISGA exhibited at the 2007 “Illinois Products Expo” sponsored by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.  The Expo is a food and agricultural product showcase designed to allow Illinois food companies, agricultural groups and other entities to promote, sample, and/or sell Illinois food products and new uses of agricultural products. 

·        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 is 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 only, ISGA has joined forces with Agritourism Partners of Illinois (ATPI) and is including an agritourism tract of educational sessions in the conference agenda.  The conference has been renamed the Illinois Specialty Crops and Agritourism Conference. 

·        ISGA is a dues-paying member of C-FAR with representation on the five working groups. 

·        ISGA collaborates with University of Illinois Extension and ATPI in hosting the annual specialty crops and agritourism conference and trade show. 

·        ISGA applied for and received a grant from USDA Risk Management Agency to assist with subsidizing the expenses of the 2008 Illinois Specialty Crops and Agritourism Conference. 

·        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 on-line, it can be updated on an as-needed basis. 

·        Representatives of Prairie Bounty of Illinois, Farm Direct, Agriculture Partners of Illinois, and Market Master are creating a central registration web site whereby producers of ag-related products can register their farm markets.  Currently, each of these entities have their own publication and web site.  In the Spring of 2008, we will be launching a central registration site which will be housed on the Market Maker web site.  At that time, farm markets will be 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. 

·        ISGA publishes a quarterly 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.