Illinois Farm Bureau
01/13/2025 | Press release | Archived content
Everything Local Conference Strengthens Illinois Food Supply Chain (1)news releasepress releaseeverything local
EVERYTHING LOCAL CONFERENCE
STRENGTHENS ILLINOIS FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sierra Henry
Media Relations Specialist
Illinois Farm Bureau®
309-557-2083
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference is returning Jan. 29 in Springfield to bring together more people than ever from across Illinois' local food, specialty crop and farmers market supply chains.
The three-day event is a collaborative effort between producers and agribusiness leaders to enhance local food systems, hosted in partnership with Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Specialty Growers Association (ISGA) and the Illinois Farmers Market Association (IFMA).
"The From Food to Flowers Everything Local Conference is a special time of year that truly brings together everyone working across the regional food system to discuss issues, learn from each other, connect and build for the future," said Raghela Scavuzzo, IFB associate director of food systems development. "A huge effort is made to make sure there are educational topics, vendors and networking opportunities for everyone. The connections built at this event help create new markets, impacts regulation and develop relationships that last."
Everything Local will take place Jan. 29-31, at the Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza. Visit https://www.specialtygrowers.org/everything-local-2025.htmlfor more information or to register. Media interested in attending should email Sierra Henry at [email protected].
The conference will feature more than 80 trade show exhibitors and more than 100 speakers, three general sessions with industry leaders, eight breakout session tracks, four specialization tracks and Produce Safety Certification. Session topics will include specialty crop production, farmers market management, urban agriculture, community food systems, agritourism and more.
This year's keynote speaker is Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, managing director and CEO of FSF Ventures, and impact investment fund, and CEO of Food Systems for the Future Institute, the fund's sister nonprofit. Both organizations support her vision of a world without hunger and malnutrition. Cousin also serves as a distinguished fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs; a Bosch Academy, Robert Weizsäcker fellow; and as a visiting scholar at the Stanford University Center on Food Security and Environment.
Cousin served as the executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) from 2012 to 2017. During her tenure, the 14,000-member WFP annually provided life sustaining food assistance to over 80 million people. Under her leadership the organization began the longer-term work of identifying, championing and implementing more sustainable solutions for global hunger and malnutrition.
Aside from networking opportunities to develop and share new ideas, attendees of the conference will have the chance to:
- Hear perspectives from general session keynote speakers who understand and champion the specialty and local food markets.
- Participate in breakout tracks covering topics from digital marketing to grant writing.
- Engage with vendors, associations and nonprofits during the trade show.
"This one-of-a-kind conference connects farmers and agribusiness leaders across the state to enhance the robust Illinois local and specialty agriculture system through a variety of networking opportunities in one location," said Jenna Spychal, Illinois Specialty Growers Association chairman. "Everything Local provides opportunities to growers, buyers and local food leaders to network and connect."
Other highlights taking place will be the Illinois Apple Cider Contest, the three hosting organizations' annual meetings, awards, meet-the-buyer events, stakeholder meetings, specialized trainings and workshops.
"In addition to offering ample networking opportunities, attendees will gain valuable experience through dozens of workshops," said Janie Maxwell, Illinois Farmers Markets Association executive director. "Sharing experiences and lessons learned while building those crucial connections are really what make this conference so valuable."
About Illinois Farm Bureau
Founded in 1916, Illinois Farm Bureau - originally known as the Illinois Agricultural Association - is a nonprofit, grassroots membership organization. Illinois Farm Bureau and a statewide network of county Farm Bureaus give members an advantage through impactful advocacy, trusted information, and meaningful development to support their careers and Illinois farm families.
Learn more about Illinois agriculture at www.ilfb.org. Connect with Illinois Farm Bureau on Facebook: Illinois Farm Bureau | Facebook,Instagram @ilfarmbureau,X @ILFarmBureau, or on TikTok @illinoisfarmbureau.
About Illinois Specialty Growers Association
The purpose of Illinois Specialty Growers Association (ISGA) is the promotion and development of the Illinois specialty crop industry. 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 and Illinois Vegetable Growers Association.
About Illinois Farmers Market Association
The Illinois Farmers Market Association was founded in 2012 to connect the growing number of Illinois farmers markets, market managers, producers, and consumers and provide coordinated resources, advocacy, technical services, and training to ensure the continued vibrancy and sustainability of Illinois Farmers Markets. Additionally, ILFMA partners with local, state, regional, and national organizations in educating market managers, producers, and the general public on economic, health, and social benefits of providing, promoting, and expanding access for the increased consumption of fresh, local farm products at farmers markets statewide.
###