The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is set to distribute more than $679,000 in federal funding over the next three years to bolster the state’s specialty crop industry, with a focus on supporting small, new, veteran, and underserved farmers and communities.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a Class I recall for fresh tomatoes distributed in Illinois due to potential Salmonella contamination. This classification indicates a high risk of serious adverse health consequences or death.
Two leaders from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) have received national recognition for their contributions to agricultural research and innovation.
In a collaborative effort to combat food insecurity, the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture have formalized a partnership to donate meat from the 2024 Illinois State Fair Sale of Champions to Feeding Illinois food banks. This marks the first time such a donation has been made under a formal agreement.
The Market will also be offering weekly email updates entitled Market Mail. They inform subscribers what to expect at the Market each week and is available at www.urbanamarket.org. Vendors will accept cash and many accept card and electronic payment. Customers wishing to use SNAP benefits must bring their LINK card to the information tent in the north row of the Market.
As Illinois faces cuts to federal agriculture reimbursements, local farmers are urging the state to create new models for supporting agriculture and ensuring food access. Illinois lawmakers are stepping up, pushing two key bills through the legislative process that could provide a lifeline for small farmers struggling to stay afloat amid federal shifts.
“An award-winning meteorologist and weather risk communicator, Andrew Pritchard is dedicated to helping our community make informed decisions in the face of changing weather patterns,” shares program moderator Joan Tousey. “His passion for weather safety and storytelling makes him a trusted voice in the field, and the topic could not be more timely.”
“Learning how to safely preserve vegetables when they are at their peak flavor and nutrition is a valuable and practical lesson our students will be able to use all through adulthood,” commented Angie Corum, Bement High School’s Home Economics Teacher.
“Cottage food operations are a great way to trial your new business on a small scale,” says Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Caitlin Mellendorf. “This way, entrepreneurs can refine their products, put strong food safety protocols in place, and create a manageable business plan.”
Illinois launched a subsidy program for cover crops in 2019 to address runoff issues, offering farmers a discount on crop insurance premiums. The program has been a success, with demand outpacing state funding each year. However, despite the program’s popularity, Governor JB Pritzker has proposed a 31% cut to its funding, reducing the budget from $960,000 to $660,000.