‘Farm to table’ not a fad, could grow overall economies

“Farm to table” is not just a fad, and not just a concept for a trendy restaurant, according to the people in Illinois promoting “sustainable local food systems.” (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The Farm Bill, as passed by Congress has a big win for the “farm to table” movement, according to its advocates in Illinois.

The bill, awaiting the President’s action, further legitimizes “farm to table,” says Liz Moran Stelk, who runs the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. “This Farm Bill includes permanent baseline funding for this program, which means it’s really become a national priority, that farm-to-table can grow overall economies and people can really know where their food comes from,” she said.

Western Illinois livestock farmer Chad Wallace is involved and wants to be more so: “There is a desire for restaurants to be considered the ‘farm-to-table’ restaurant,” Wallace said. “I believe that if my pork was available on the menu, it would be better than what they could get from here in town.”

Wallace has a Facebook page, Oak Tree Organics.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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