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AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION TO PROVIDE FARM BUSINESS TRAINING SERVICES FOR KANE COUNTY FOOD GROWERS
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WHEREAS, Kane County Development and Community Services is seeking to authorize a contract with University of Illinois Extension to provide training & technical assistance for local food producing farm operations; and
WHEREAS, The Growing for Kane Health Impact Assessment called for the offering of "technical assistance; financial incentives and agreements with property owners to grow fresh produce, meats, and dairy for both the regional market, local consumption and to reach the vulnerable and underserved population"; and
WHEREAS, Through various program surveys and evaluations Kane County farmers have expressed a need for training services that address business plan development, sales and marketing, and other topics related to running a food and farm business; and
WHEREAS, Kane County was awarded a 3-year Urban Agriculture Innovative Production program grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the amount of $299,185 to launch a pilot farmer training program; and
WHEREAS, University of Illinois Extension has successfully operated a Master Urban Farmer Training Program in Cook County since 2016 and submitted a proposal that would extend training services to Kane County farmers; and
WHEREAS, The Kane County Development and Community Services Department assembled a review panel of County staff which, after reviewing and scoring the consultant's proposal, determined that it met and exceeded the selection criteria established in accordance with Purchasing Department guidelines; and
WHEREAS, University of Illinois Extension has submitted a cost proposal in the amount of $219,253 and, with the applicant's consent, Kane County retains the option of amending said proposal's scope of services as needed, with the total contract amount not to ...
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