
Local Foods and Small Farms
Southern Illinois Twilight Series

Americans have never been more interested in understanding where their food comes from and how it was grown and prepared. From the use of pesticides during the growing season to the practice of 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 better understand their role and responsibilities within the local food movement.
Local Events and Weninars

Legal Training for Illinois Small Farms web series
Quick Links

Local Food Systems and Small Farms YouTube Channel
The Illinois Local Foods YouTube channel houses information from Illinois Extension educators on small scale commercial production and management of specialty crops and livestock. With a wide range of topics, this channel is an excellent resource for both beginning and established farmers as well as backyard hobbyists looking to expand their knowledge in the production of food.

Be a cottage food seller
Whether for a hobby or as a career, selling food grown or made in your home carries endless possibilities for enjoyment and profit. It also carries substantial responsibilities for the safety of the public who purchases and consumes your food products. Major changes took effect January 1, 2022 in the Cottage Food Operation Law's Home-to-Market Act. Illinois Extension is your guide to operating within the new regulations. Outshine the rest and grow your home-based business.

Cropflix
Get binge-worthy research updated and best management practices about Illinois row crops. CropFlix is streamable content for row crop producers, advisers, and agronomists who want to improve their cropping systems and earn CEUs. These sessions provide research updates and best management practices for row crop production in Illinois.

Private Pesticide Applicator Training
Training modules to prepare for the private applicator test

University of Illinois Plant Clinic
Plant disease and injury can be costly. The Plant Clinic provides solutions to what's attacking the health of your plants. We provide plant and insect identification; nematode assays; diagnosis of injury from disease, insects, weeds, and chemicals; and help with nutrient-related issues.

Agriculture Safety and Health
The Agricultural Safety and Health program seeks to provide research-based information and resources that assist individuals and organizations in the understanding and prevention of injury and illness while working in and around Illinois agriculture.

Illinois Agritourism
Resources for businesses that market farm-raised or produced products and outdoor experiences.