Tyler Strom Email & Phone Number

I’m driven by a singular mission: to shape a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient agri-food system for the future.As Managing Director of the Illinois Agri-Food Alliance (ILAFA), I have the privilege of connecting diverse partners—across sectors, geographies, and disciplines—to tackle today’s most pressing challenges facing Illinois’ agri-food system. Whether addressing workforce needs, advancing climate-smart practices, or fostering shared insights on emergent issues, ILAFA is a platform for meaningful collaboration and transformative action, and I’m honored to lead its strategy, operations, and vision.Beyond my work at ILAFA, I serve as an adjunct professor in sustainable food systems for Northwestern University’s Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) program, where I’m privileged to play a small role in guiding the next generation of changemakers in exploring the intersections of agriculture, climate, and food systems.I also enjoy serving on multiple boards, steering committees, and advisory councils, including the Delta Institute, the Midwest Climate Collaborative, and the Illinois Lt. Governor’s Equity and Food Security Initiative, contributing my expertise in systems thinking, sustainability, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.My passion for this work runs deep. As a fourth-generation farmer, I grew up immersed in agriculture and the environment. Today, I operate the family-owned business focused on grains and direct-to-market specialty crops. Our generational farm was among the first in Illinois to permanently protect its land through an agricultural easement in 2001. We’ve always prioritized conservation and stewardship, and that ethos inspires my work to this day.When I’m not working, I cherish my roles as a father, husband, farmer, and beekeeper. I believe even the smallest actions—like tending to bees or planting seeds—can ripple outward to create meaningful change.If you share my passion for transforming agri-food systems, let’s connect—I’d love to hear your story and explore how we might collaborate to drive impact together.