Local growers with questions on state or federal programs can rest assured they’ll be helped. “If you have a need and if we can’t help, we’ll point you to IDOA (Illinois Department of Agriculture) or someone else,” said Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Scott Halpin during a panel discussion at the Everything Local Conference. Representatives from IDOA, Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Human Services, Rural Development and Natural Resources Conservation Service Illinois shared program highlights and how they can work with local food producers. READ MORE