Illinois Partners

Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts — by Sagra — last modified March 01, 2006 11:44 AM

The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD), is a grass roots organization formed in 1948. It is made up and serves Illinois' 98 member Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). The AISWCD's board members are representatives from local SWCD's. Known in various parts of the country as "soil and water conservation districts," "resource conservation districts," "natural resource districts," "land conservation committees" and similar names, they share a single mission: to coordinate assistance from all available sources -- public and private, local, state and federal -- in an effort to develop locally driven solutions to natural resource concerns.

Illinois Department of Agriculture — by Andrea Parri — last modified March 01, 2006 12:52 PM

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is an advocate for Illinois’ agricultural industry and provide the necessary regulatory functions to benefit consumers, agricultural industry, and our natural resources. The agency will strive to promote agri-business in Illinois and throughout the world.

Illinois Department of Agriculture -- C-2000 — by Andrea Parri — last modified March 01, 2006 12:11 PM

Sustainable Agriculture at the Illinois Department of Agriculture is centered in the Bureau of Land and Water Resources. The Conservation 2000, Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program is coordinated by Mike Rahe, with oversight provided by the Sustainable Agriculture Committee, an external advisory committee. The program provides grants to researchers, educators and farmers to investigate, educate and promote sustainable agriculture in Illinois.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development — by Andrea Parri — last modified May 24, 2007 10:46 PM

Sustainable ag farmers strive to be economically sustainable. For assistance on honing the business end of the alternative farming operation visit DCEO's Entrepreneurship and Small Business website (URL below). Experts, networks, tools and other opportunities transform your business into an appealing investment for lenders. That's where success begins. We partner with well-respected business development organizations and educational institutions that work with clients who have the vision and potential to become a high-growth enterprise. Whether your company employs two people or 102, IEN can help you Connect Outside The Box - it's a new way of thinking that extends beyond your own knowledge and experience to activate the possibilities!

Illinois Department of Natural Resources — by Andrea Parri — last modified March 01, 2006 12:30 PM

DNR's mission is to manage, protect and sustain Illinois' natural and cultural resources; provide resource-compatible recreational opportunities and to promote natural resource-related issues for the public's safety and education. Some DNR programs and resources are applicable to sustainable agriculture farmers. For example, farmers desiring to start fee-hunting enterprises can find information pertaining to that industry.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency — by Andrea Parri — last modified March 01, 2006 12:44 PM

The mission of the Illinois EPA is to safeguard environmental quality, consistent with the social and economic needs of the State, so as to protect health, welfare, property and the quality of life. The agency's website (URL below) features a section on agricultural issues. The information available presents readers with the state's perspective of environmental issues related to agriculture and include waste and disposal issues, alternative fuels, financial resources, livestock issues, water issues, pollutants, NRCS practice standards and other links.

Illinois State Geological Survey — by Andrea Parri — last modified February 17, 2006 04:59 PM

The ISGS is a premier State Geological Survey serving the needs of Illinois with earth science information relevant to the State's environmental quality, economic vitality, and public safety. Some 200 scientists and technical support staff conduct basic and applied research in geology, compile geologic maps, and gather and manage the state's geological data to provide information to industry, governmental agencies and the public about the geology and mineral resources of Illinois.

Illinois State Water Survey — by Andrea Parri — last modified February 17, 2006 05:05 PM

The Illinois State Water Survey, a division of the Office of Scientific Research and Analysis of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and an affiliated agency of the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana, is the primary agency in Illinois concerned with water and atmospheric resources.

Illinois Stewardship Alliance (ISA) — by Andrea Parri — last modified November 16, 2005 05:45 PM

ISA is a citizen's organization that promotes a safe and nutritious food system, family farming, and healthy communities by advocating diverse, humane, and socially just and ecologically sustainable production and marketing practices.

Initiative for the Development of Entrepreneurs in Agriculture — by Andrea Parri — last modified March 01, 2006 01:08 PM

Initiative for the Development of Entrepreneurs in Agriculture (IDEA) was created by University of Illinois as a statewide initiative. IDEA conducts research, develops educational products, and provides services that encourage farmers to incorporate entrepreneurial strategies which direct their marketing efforts to meeting consumer demand.

Lake Land College — by Andrea Parri — last modified March 01, 2006 01:10 PM

Lake Land College's Sustainable Agriculture site was developed to offer information regarding sustainable agriculture, resource links, current sustainable news and to notify viewers of upcoming farm related events.

Prairie Rivers Network — by Kim Erndt — last modified July 31, 2006 12:43 PM

Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois' statewide river conservation organization. Prairie Rivers provides an informed, committed voice for the state's streams and wildlife. Supported by our members, we strive for more clean rivers and healthy communities across the state and provide citizens with the information, sound science, and the resources they need to protect their local water resources.