Growers and producers who sell products to IL-EATS must be a socially disadvantaged grower or producer in Illinois. Products must be on the IL-EATS Allowable Foods List and grown or produced in Illinois. Lead agencies will purchase products from farmers at Fair Market Value.
If you want to sell your products to this program, you MUST partner with a lead agency. If you would like support connecting with a lead agency, please contact us at uie-lfpa@illinois.edu.
For a comprehensive guide to participating in the program, review the Farmer Welcome Packet and Farmer Welcome Webinar. These resources cover the IL-EATS food safety and labeling requirements, how to use Fair Market Value, and provide guidance to farmers interested in selling their products to IL-EATS.
Eligibility
Socially disadvantaged growers and producers that fall within one of these categories are eligible to participate in the program:
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
Black / African American
Latine/o/a
Refugee
LGBTQ+
Veteran
Female business owner
Greater than 50 miles (or 30 minutes) to the nearest distribution point (farmers market or market opportunity)
Qualify for benefits based on income (low socioeconomic status)
Person with disabilities
New farmer/rancher (USDA definition is under ten years)
Business is located in one of the following high-vulnerability counties (as determined by the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index): Cass, Champaign, Coles, Cook, Douglas, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Kane, Kankakee, Knox, Lake, Lawrence, Macon, Marion, Massac, Morgan, Peoria, Perry, Pulaski, Rock Island, Saline, St. Clair, Stephenson, Union, Vermilion, Warren, Wayne, Winnebago
Food Safety Requirements
All growers and producers must follow state and federal requirements for their products. Additional food safety standards may be required depending on where the food is distributed.
Fruit and Vegetable Growers
Growers selling produce to IL-EATS must provide a certificate from an approved safety course (e.g., Produce Safety Alliance Training on the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, GAP, third-party certifications, etc.) OR complete an Extension Produce Food Safety Bootcamp.
Fruit and vegetable growers who do not hold one of the approved food safety course certifications listed above must register for food safety training within 60 days of their contract start date. All training options offered by Illinois Extension are provided at no cost. Additional sessions may be scheduled as needed.
Producers
All producers selling their products to IL-EATS must meet federal and state requirements for that product. Below is a list of some of Illinois’ requirements for selling eggs, meat, poultry, fish, juice, dairy, and value-added products. This is not a comprehensive list.
- Eggs: Must have an Illinois Egg Handler’s License
- Meat and poultry: Use of IDOA or USDA-licensed processors
- Fish: Processed in an inspected facility using a HACCP plan
- Juice: Processed in an inspected facility (HACCP regulations apply if selling wholesale)
- Dairy: Processed in a department/state-licensed facility
- Value-added products:
- Maple syrup: Bottled in an inspected facility
- Canned goods: Made in an inspected facility & must meet pH requirements
More information can be found on the Illinois Department of Agriculture website or in the Illinois Farmers Market Food Safety Guide.
Produce Food Safety Bootcamp
This free course is an excellent option for growers early in their food safety journey who want to meet basic food safety requirements in order to sell produce as part of IL-EATS (LFPA) program. It is not a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training on the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, GAP, or third-party certification training, but rather an introduction to basic food safety concepts for produce growers.
The online course includes reading, watching videos, answering questions, and a short quiz. It is expected to take approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete. Growers who register for this option will receive an email with a link to the Produce Food Safety Bootcamp course once it becomes available.
Course Overview
- Online course.
- Module takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete.
- Registration is ongoing.