The Chicago Tribune just published a powerful, in-depth series on the challenges Illinois farmers face in a changing climate—and it features several Alliance farmer members and allies you may recognize. 

The series echoes what we hear from members about the urgent realities on the ground: rising risks, mounting pressure, and the need for bold action.

That’s why we just launched Building a Bigger Table, our summer organizing drive to help build power for a just and regenerative food system.

In order to make change happen, we need farmers like you who care about these issues to work together. You can make an impact and join forces with farmers across the state by becoming a member today. 

Ed, Jeff, LaShawn, and Reese have reached out to 119 farmers, held 20 one-on-one meetings, and recruited 17 new members. 

The goal? To Build a Bigger Table.

Last year, hundreds of farmers and supporters helped Set the Table to create our first long-term policy platform.

Now it’s time to grow. If we want a fairer, more local, and more sustainable food and farm system, we need more farmers to join us.

As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Meet and network with farmers and food system leaders who share your passion for local food
• Shape an annual state policy agenda to support just and regenerative food systems
• Plug into opportunities to advance the issues you care about 
• Get the latest resources and news on the food and farm issues that impact you
• Farmers and eaters working together is how we make change happen.

If you haven’t already, read and share the Chicago Tribune’s series on the hurdles farmers face in trying to be good stewards of the land as climate change intensifies:

• Intro: Cash crops, hidden costs: Inside Illinois’ agricultural system
• Part 1: Who owns most of the farmland in Illinois? Not farmers.
• Part 2: Crop insurance costs taxpayers billions but only helps big farms
• Part 3: As labor costs rise, AI is learning to farm
• Part 4: Lack of middleman between Illinois farmers and consumers limits market for fruits and vegetables

If this series strikes a chord, we hope you consider sharing it, getting involved, or reaching out to learn more about how you can make a difference. 

For too long, the people most impacted by our food system have not been at the table where decisions about food and agriculture are being made. We aim to change that. Together this summer we can Build a Bigger Table– we’ve got a seat for you.