Local Foods & Small Farms

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Americans have never been more interested in understanding where their food comes from and how it is grown and prepared. From the use of pesticides during the growing season to composting food waste, there is a lot of information available through Illinois Extension that provides insight into how fruits, vegetables, and food products move through their life cycle. The Local Foods & Small Farms program provides resources to help consumers and producers understand their roles and responsibilities within the local food movement. 

Resources to Explore

Monarch Butterfly

Plant a Pollinator Pocket

Plant a Pollinator Pocket to help pollinators
Person holding a basket above a garden

Homegrown: Garden Tip & Tricks Edition

See are series with the Land Connection for tips for your garden.
Little plants

Starting Transplants Lesson

Help your garden thrive with these lessons on transplanting.
Corn

Farm Doc

Land rent prices, commodity sales, labor costs, ag policy and law, and more.
Arm reaching out to give another person a peach in a market stall.

Illinois Farmers Market Association

IL FMA supports local food systems by giving Illinois farmers markets and producers access to resources, education, and connections in order to grow healthier and economically vibrant communities.
Plant being examined by microscope

University of Illinois Plant Clinic

Plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury, and nematode assays
Agricultural equipment

Agricultural Safety and Health

Research-based resources to aid in the prevention of injury and illness in the agricultural industry

Training Courses

Machine spraying pesticide

Private Pesticide Applicator Training

Training modules to prepare for the private applicator test
Crop advisor talking with farmer

Certified Crop Advisor

Online courses for those working toward the Certified Crop Advisor designation