provides online legal information for anyone interested in direct farm marketing in Illinois.
Direct farm businesses come in many forms, but have one thing in common--direct farm businesses connect directly to the consumer, eliminating the need for costly intermediaries.
Direct farm businesses keep transportation costs down for the farmer, and lessen the adverse effects on the environment from energy consumption. Direct farm businesses also enable the producer to develop a stronger, more intimate relationship with the consumer. As consumer awareness of the benefits of local food production grows, society as a whole gains valuable first-hand knowledge about where farm products come from. Direct farm businesses keep food dollars in Illinois--currently, only 10% of food dollars spent in Illinois stays in Illinois! In an era of bioterrorism threats and increased energy costs, interest is growing nationwide as to direct farm businesses' critical role in local and regional food security plans. The federal Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act recognizes the importance of direct farm businesses by funding state direct marketing assistance programs and directing that a yearly survey be conducted to determine what methods of direct farm marketing are being used.
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The project was made possible, in part, by an Illinois Bar Foundation gift to the University of Illinois Agricultural Law Group. Bryan Endres, an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Law, and Jody Endres, an attorney, developed the content for this web site. Jody Endres designed the website. The authors also express their appreciation to the members of the Illinois State Bar Association's Agricultural Law Section Council who donated their time to review some of the content on this website. Of course, any errors or omissions are the sole responsibility of the authors.
The information provided by Directfarmbusiness.org website is informational only and is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice from a competent professional. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. This website is not intended to be a solicitation for legal services.
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