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Locally Grown

Find out more about Locally Grown issues and activities.

June 17, 2009

Plymouth Farmers Market

There is now a Farmers Market in Plymouth, IL on Saturdays, 8 am - Noon on the east side of the school on Rt 61. Locally Grown products only! They are looking for additional vendors.

Posted by Carrie Edgar at 2:58 PM | Permalink |

June 16, 2009

5th National Small Farm Conference

"Roadmap to Success for Small Farmers and Ranchers"

September 15-17, 2009

Hilton Springfield and the Prairie Capital Convention Center

Springfield, Illinois

Join your colleagues in Springfield, Illinois and register for the 5th National Small Farm Conference. Hosted by the University of Illinois Extension, the conference will include five short courses, 160 oral and poster presentations, seven tours and over 50 exhibits.

The 5th National Small Farm Conference -- "Roadmap to Success for Small Farmers and Ranchers"-- will be held September 15-17, 2009, at the Hilton Springfield and the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois. The conference will provide you with an opportunity to share new ideas in research, extension and outreach and to strengthen collaboration and partnership among your colleagues that are working to support small farmers and ranchers.

The conference registration fee ($250) will cover costs for a registration packet, two breakfasts, two lunches, one reception, one dinner, conference tour, and refreshments at breaks. The Tuesday evening reception will feature an entire menu of local foods, while the other meals and breaks will include some local food items. After August 25, the registration fee will be $300.

You can register for the conference online at http://www.conferences.uiuc.edu/smallfarm or you can pay by check, money order, or purchase order. Fax registration to University of Illinois Conferences and Institutes at 217-333-9561 or mail to Small Farm Conference, Cashiering Office, University of Illinois, 162 Henry Administration Building, 506 S. Wright Street. Urbana, IL 61801.

The conference will be held at the Hilton Springfield and the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois. Special hotel group rate registration is $83.00 for a single and $98.00 for a double (plus 12% taxes). Additional guests (over 2) will be $15.00 each.

Reservations should be made directly with the hotel (217-789-1530 or 800-445-8667) and must be received by August 25 to guarantee the institute rate. If making reservations by phone, ask for the "Small Farm" room block.

For more information, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Conference Chair, cvnghgrn@illinois.edu, 217-968-5512.

Posted by Carrie Edgar at 8:39 PM | Permalink |

June 8, 2009

Mendon Farmers Market

Check out the farmers market at Chittenden Park in Mendon, IL every Thursday from 3 - 7 pm from May 14th to Oct 15th.

Posted by Carrie Edgar at 9:26 AM | Permalink |

June 2, 2009

Illinois Food, Farms and Jobs Act

HB 3990 which creates the Illinois Local and Organic Food and Farms Council has passed both houses unanimously! The Local Food Council will be responsible for facilitating the growth of an Illinois-based local farm and food economy. If you haven't read the full report of the Illinois Local and Organic Food and Farm Task Force, download it here.

Posted by Carrie Edgar at 10:57 AM | Permalink |