At the Illinois Agri-Food Alliance, our guiding principles serve as commitment to our mission of being a neutral platform for cross-sector collaboration and systemic change. We take these principles seriously, and pledge to work in ways that reflect their core values.

Our Guiding Principles:

• Asset-Based: We focus on assets of a diverse group of people, organizations, and entities rather than problems and liabilities in order to provide maximum return on time and resources.
• Holistic: We consider the global as well as domestic effects on the food and agriculture system.
• Conflict Resolution: We recognize that conflict is a predictable result of collaboration and provides positive benefits when it is cooperatively resolved.
• Sustainability: We promote robust, resilient, and responsive solutions that benefit our food and agriculture system, enhance our economies, honor our social integrity, and value our environment and its resources.
• Consensus and Decision Making: We value all opinions equally, avoid obstruction in a common search for agreement, and reach consensus whenever possible.
• Diversity: We strive to include participants with diverse perspectives, expertise, and cultural, ethnic, racial, and geographic backgrounds whenever possible.
• Knowledge: We strive to enhance knowledge and experience along the entire food and agriculture value chain to more effectively address challenges, scale innovation, and create economic and sustainable return.
• Disclosure, Accountability, and Transparency: We develop open, honest sharing of information and rely on sound, transparent science to provide an objective platform for mutual learning.
• Open Mind: We analyze through an unbiased eye and flexible mindset in an effort to generate the greatest benefit for both individuals and the community as a whole.
• Participation and Collaboration: We promote cooperative participation and collaboration among the public, private, and civil sectors to leverage scarce resources and stimulate innovation.