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Illinois Food, Farms and Jobs Act of 2007
In precedent-setting legislation, Illinois officially recognized the importance of local farms and food in state economics, access to fresh foods and saving farmland. Giving testimony to the Illinois House Agriculture and Conservation Committee in support of HB 1300. Front row from left: Debbie Hillman (co-chairman Evanston Food Policy Council), Julie Hamos (Illinois state representative), Jim Braun (former Iowa hog farmer and local food activist). Back row from left: Bridget Holcomb (Illinois Stewardship Alliance), Pam Horwitz (business development, Bureau County), Brad Halbrook (farmer from Shelbyville, Illinois), Keith Bolin (farmer and president of American Corn Growers Association).
"It is a classic case of constituents with a good idea who organized the case and brought it to the Legislature and stayed with it till it passed," said Julie Hamos, Illinois representative for the 18th district and sponsor of the bill. "The people across the state that were behind this legislation came together and contacted legislators from their district. As a result, many co-sponsors supported the bill and when it came time to vote, most legislators were already on board."
"There is more demand for local and organic food than there is supply," said Jim Slama of FamilyFarmed.org, one of the many supporters of HB1300.
"By creating an equitable and sustainable food system, you can solve almost every other problem we as humans created. Problems like health, the environment, economics, conflict and more", said Debbie Hillman, a founder of the Evanston Food Policy Council.
To learn more about how the Illinois Food, Farms and Jobs Act of 2007 buy the November/December edition of Touch the Soil magazine at a retail outlet or subscribe online.