Illinois Products Farmers' Market Gears Up for 2009 Season

From the Illinois Department of Agriculture

SPRINGFIELD, IL – After the success of last year’s inaugural season for the Illinois Products Farmers’ Market, (IPFM) the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is anxious to get this year’s market underway. The IPFM is a market held during evening hours on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. It offers consumers locally grown fresh produce as well as other Illinois agribusiness products.

“We expanded upon the traditional farmers market rules, by allowing not only producers, but also companies that solely produce or process their goods in Illinois the opportunity to sell their products,” said Illinois Agriculture Director, Tom Jennings. “As a result, we saw over 60 vendors on the fairgrounds selling everything from meat, eggs and organic produce, to baked goods, candles and wine. It was a great showcase of Illinois Agriculture for our local consumers.”

“The vendors we surveyed from last year were pleased with the success of the market,” said Market Manager Kristi Kenney. “We look forward to building on that success for the 2009 season.”

IPFM organizers have scheduled a meeting for vendors interested in learning more about the 2009 season. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 31st at 6:30pm at the Illinois Department of Agriculture Building. Organizers will be on hand to answer questions as well as give perspective on the upcoming season. For more information about the market, you can log on to www.illinoisproductmarket.com or call (217)782-0777.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture building is located at the corner of Sangamon and 8th Street on the Illinois State Fairgrounds inside Gate 11.