URBANA (UIE) -- University of Illinois Extension and the Illinois Organic Growers Association will host a Sustainable/Organic Growers potluck to promote networking and discussion among farmers and producers in northern Illinois on Monday, June 20 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 at Willow Creek Organic Farm in Steward, IL.

“There is a demand from sustainable/organic growers and producers throughout Illinois to form a statewide organization that reflects their interests,” said Ellen Phillips, U of I Extension educator. “Because Illinois is so large and diverse, regional groups are forming to better serve each area.” Phillips will be the new Local Foods and Small Farms Educator for Boone, DeKalb and Ogle Counties. Maurice Ogutu, the new Local Foods and Small Farms Educator for Jo Davies, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties will also be present.

The purpose of this initial meeting is fact finding. “We want to hear from growers what kinds of information and events that U of I Extension can design would be helpful to growers in northern Illinois,” Phillips said. “Is there a need for field days, webinars, intensive workshops, a blog to encourage dialogue on important issues? We want to provide programming that will meet real needs.” It is also a time for growers to network and share ideas.

Phillips stressed that this is not just another group to join and pay dues. “This regional group is a vital part of the whole statewide effort to promote sustainable and organic farming practices. In fact, the only dues we are asking people to bring to the meeting is a potluck dish to share,” she said.