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Beyond the Farmers' Market: A Guide for Community Leaders — by Sarah Hultine — last modified July 31, 2008 04:44 PM

A detailed guide to supporting the development of local food producers, processors, and markets in your community

List of Sustainable Ag, Ag Entrepreneurship, farmer directories, and statistical/data resources — by Andy Larson — last modified June 20, 2008 02:26 PM

After the conference, I know that the last thing you feel like you need right now is more information, but, inevitably, new questions on marketing, processing and food systems will come up. I wanted to provide you with some great places to start looking for answers. Best of luck to you! Feel free to get in touch with me or anyone else with Extension’s Initiative for the Development of Entrepreneurs in Agriculture (IDEA). Andy Larson, formerly of I of I Extension, created this list while working on a number of related program in 2006.

All-Day Permaculture ‘Design & Work’ Biltz – Saturday, June 14 (Stelle, IL, from June 14, 2008 09:30 AM to June 14, 2008 04:00 PM) — by Midwest Permaculture

Join us for a one-day Permaculture Design-Blitz in Stelle A permaculture blitz is when a group of people get together to transform or ‘permaculturize’ someone’s yard in a single day or weekend. Walk with Becky and me as we piece together the next stage in the permaculture design for our home with the expert advice of Ron Nowicki (pictured). We will all learn from his 30 years of experience as a permaculturist and ecological-landscape designer. In the afternoon, everyone is invited to get some hands-on experience in design layout and implementation. This should be a really fun and educational day for all of us.

Farm Dreams: Assessing Risks & Resources to Start a Small Farm or Market Garden (Chicago Center for Green Technology, from June 07, 2008 11:00 AM to June 07, 2008 03:00 PM) — by Elise Benveniste

workshop on sustainable farming careers in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Activities include self-assessments, information on regional training opportunities.

Cheese Making Workshop (Angelic Organics Learning Center, from June 07, 2008 09:00 AM to June 07, 2008 12:00 PM) — by Elise Benveniste

This hands-on workshop in our farm setting will introduce the process of cheese making from start to finish.

2nd annual Healthy Living Fair (Quad City Botanical Center, Rock Island IL, from June 14, 2008 09:00 AM to June 15, 2008 04:00 PM) — by Elise Benveniste

This event is presented by Radish magazine and the Quad City Botanical Center. The fair will present information about healthy living through the natural foods, products, resources and services of western Illinois and eastern Iowa. Exhibits will include alternative energy methods, environmentally friendly products and produce, gardening goods and services, outdoor recreation opportunities and holistic, alternative and integrative medicine. This year's event will include a Friday Night Preview Party, Saturday morning yoga class, Sunday art show, Father's Day Coffeehouse and a concert by the 'fast-forward folk' duo Patchouli.

Local Food Digest — by Elise Benveniste — last modified June 09, 2008 03:44 PM