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Illinois Stewardship Alliance Slates First-Ever Conference for Late March

  • Writer: Bob Benenson
    Bob Benenson
  • 4 days ago
  • 2 min read

Two-day Dig Deep, Rise Together: For Our Farm & Food Future to be held in Springfield



Illinois Stewardship Alliance is the state's premier policy advocate for the local food and farm communities. For many years, the non-profit has convened farmers, eaters and supporters from across the state for an Advocacy Day at the state Capitol in Springfield, where they fan out to lawmakers' offices to persuade them to support the Alliance's better-for-people-and-the-planet agenda.


But this year, the Alliance is expanding beyond its annual lobbying day to elevate its thought leadership at its first-ever conference.


Branded as "Dig Deep, Rise Together: For Our Farm & Food Future Conference," the two-day event will be held March 24 and 25 in Springfield, with sessions at Northfield Inn, concluding with the traditional Farm & Food Advocacy Day at the Capitol building.


The conference is presented with support from Food:Land:Opportunity, which funds projects that localize the Chicago foodshed, and Farm Aid, which since 1985 has served as a national advocate for family farmers and a better food system.


The Alliance's following announcement includes a link to learn more and buy tickets for this precedent-breaking event.


———————————————

You've been part of building real momentum for farm and food system change, showing up, contributing, and taking action, often without time or space to connect with others who share your sense of what's at stake.  


This spring, you have an opportunity to gather with farmers, food system leaders, and others like you from across the state to do more than talk about problems.


You are invited to the inaugural event:


Dig Deep, Rise Together: For Our Farm & Food Future Conference

March 24–25, 2026

Northfield Inn

Springfield, Illinois



This two-day gathering is a rare chance to learn from, and with, so many others who share your commitment to farms, food, and community.  You'll refuel, sharpen your analysis, level up your skills, and step into next season feeling energized and clear about the difference you're helping make.


At this unique new conference, you will:


  • Dig Deep into the issues facing Illinois farms, farmers, and food systems with insights grounded in lived experience and analysis of what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s possible.

  • Leave with practical tools to put to work right away, including skills in organizing, storytelling, and strategic thinking that strengthen your leadership and our collective impact.

  • Connect with others who get it - from across the state, agriculture and food, and perspectives - through shared meals, dialogue, and storytelling.

  • Rise Together with other attendees and put new skills in action at Farm & Food Advocacy Day at the Capitol.


Whether you’re long connected to this movement or newly stepping into it, you’ll leave feeling affirmed and energized, ready to act, knowing the work matters, the effort is shared, and change is possible when people move together.


With generous support from sponsors, registration for this inaugural event is deeply discounted for eligible attendees and limited travel scholarships are available.


I hope you’ll be part of this unique space and head into the season renewed, clear, and ready to rise together toward our farm and food future.


Sincerely,

Liz Moran Stelk

Executive Director



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