Local Food Systems and Small Farms

We strive to help small farms thrive.

The Illinois Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms team provides education, resources, and programming to help residents safely produce, grow, and consume locally produced agricultural products. We want to help growers and gardeners address production concerns, build lasting connections, and positively influence local operations and our communities. 

Looking for an answer to a specific question?  Need a technical assistance visit? Contact Extension Educator Alexis Barnes to learn more about how Illinois Extension is prepared to help.

Upcoming Events:

Get state news
Check out the monthly Illinois Fruit & Vegetable Newsletter
Read the blog
Designed for northern Illinois growers, gardeners, and naturalists
Watch videos
Explore the Local Foods and Small Farms YouTube channel
Ask the Clinic
Access expert help to identify pest damage and find solutions

Popular topics

Growing organic food

We want you to be successful in whatever growing practices you choose. Check out our one-stop organic growing resource, including certifications, history, fruit and vegetable production, and resources.

Extending the season

Learn what structures and techniques can help your farm stretch out the growing season, including high tunnels or hoop houses.

Producing safely

A major factor in growing food and maintaining a small farm is understanding best practices for safety. Find a wealth of information for not only producing safe food for consumption, and for the growing environment.

Contact our team

Alexis Barnes

Alexis Barnes

Extension Educator, Local Food Systems Small Farms
Serving DuPage, Kane and Kendall Counties
Keywords
Local Foods and Small Farms
Commercial Vegetable Production
Cover Crops
Specialty Crops
Food Access
Sustainable Agriculture
Flowers
Community Garden
Food Safety
Flowers
Integrated Pest Management
Sustainable Agriculture
Urban Agriculture
Weeds
Vegetable Gardening
Fruits
Beekeeping
Diversity Equity Inclusion Access
Small Farms
Horticulture
arbarnes@illinois.edu
(630) 584-6166