Local Foods & Small Farms

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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. 

Crop advisor talking with farmer

Certified Crop Advisor

Online courses for those working toward the Certified Crop Advisor designation.

A pair of glasses on top of paperwork

EZregs

Making sense of agricultural and horticultural regulations in Illinois.

Manure pile on a farm

Manure Central

A collection of worksheets, calculators, and other resources.

A scientist preparing plant samples to go under a microscope

University of Illinois Plant Clinic

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

Machine spraying pesticide on a field

Private Pesticide Applicator Training

Training modules to prepare for the private applicator test.

Agricultural equipment in a field

Agricultural Safety and Health

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

Girl picking blueberries

Illinois Agritourism

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