Manager Local Foods Programs

As Manager Local Foods Programs within Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB), parent company of COUNTRY Financial, you will be focused on working with Farm Bureau members and industry with local and regional food business development among grocery and specialty retailers, wholesalers, foodservice, schools, and other farm to market outlets. You will also focus on educating members on food safety regulations and compliance. In this role you will represent Illinois Farm Bureau with various agencies and organizations regarding marketing, distribution, food hubs, alternative farming practices, and government regulation of food safety, labeling, nutrition, and packaging of local and regional food. Responsibilities: Performs basic research in assigned area.Provides information to County Farm Bureau members on organic and alternative agriculture including business opportunities.Provides information and counsel to the Board of Directors and Resolutions Committee related to Local and Regional Food Business Development and food safety.Manages grant writing program for related areas of responsibility.Reviews federal and state regulations on issues related to local and regional food initiatives.Maintains reporting mechanism for reporting to County Farm Bureau members and industry regarding local food compliance issues.Develops and maintains alliances and relationships with grocery and foodservice trade beneficial to Illinois Farm Bureau; raising the knowledge and awareness of IFB with industry.Collaborates with industry on programs and projects that works toward building a positive environment between traditional and nontraditional agriculture.Plans, develops and implements industry forward education and information programs with county Farm Bureaus in local and regional food sales, marketing and distribution areas.Required Qualifications:Education equivalent to Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture, business administration, marketing, management, food science or a related fieldFive years or more of progressive experience in fresh food marketing, distribution, merchandising. Excellent oral/written communication skills.Agriculture experiencePreferred Qualifications:Experience linking growers with retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice outlets.Experience on the proper procedures of packing fresh produce for resale.Conference management experience.Grant writing experience.Experience working with buyers and merchandisers of locally grown food productsAbility to work with various groups and individuals on a wide range of local and regional foods business development and food safety issues.Physical Requirements:Some overnight travelWork may extend beyond normal business hours as business needs dictate.