Farmer Training

There is tremendous potential for Southern Illinois entrepreneurs to build successful and sustainable small- to medium-sized farm businesses. The conditions in this part of the state are well suited for diversified fruit and vegetable production as our growing seasons are longer and the terrain less favorable to large-scale commodity grain production.

Food Works offers farmer training to assist existing and prospective growers. New farmers and those wishing to successfully transition into “specialty crop” agriculture benefit from the year-long Southern Illinois Farm Beginnings (SIFB) course that includes business training and marketing support in the classroom as well as hands-on mentoring and apprenticeships in the field. The first class of the SIFB program is slated to begin in March 2011.

Workshops and field days are offered throughout the year targeting specific areas of learning desirable to farmers and ranchers in our region. A farmer-led steering committee is currently guiding the creation of a farmer network for the region.

Currently, Food Works' staff is coordinating a community food assessment that will help to develop a detailed portrait of the habits and attitudes of consumers, retailers and growers in Jackson and Union Counties. We are also filming a documentary on the local food system.

In additon, Food Works is developing a regional branding program to draw attention to the bountiful produce, meats and dairy products grown and produced in the region.