My theory on the strength of the local food movement in the Land of Lincoln goes back to a proud event for all Illinoisans, which happened on May 15, 1862, when Abraham Lincoln signed into law an act of Congress establishing “at the seat of Government of the United States Department of Agriculture.”
A couple of years later at what would be his last speech to congress (due to his unexpected assassination); President Lincoln proudly stated “The Agricultural Department, under the supervision of its present energetic and faithful head, is rapidly commending itself to the great and vital interest it was created to advance. It is precisely the people’s department, in which they feel more directly concerned that in any other. I commend it to the continued attention and fostering care of Congress.” Continue reading