Document Actions
Melissa's Blog
Up one levelU of I's Dan Anderson on recent research about the benefits of organic agriculture
As sales of organic food increase from one year to the next, it is clear that American consumers feel good about organic farming. And the wide variety of organic products available indicates we’ve come a long way since the days of hippie farmers. But questions about organic agriculture linger—is it really better for people and the environment? And does it represent a realistic alternative to the conventional systems developed over the course of the 20th century?
Rising food prices make farmers markets a better bargain
Nick Nichols pumped $200 worth of diesel into his truck last Saturday morning to make the 63-mile trip from his farm in Marengo to the Green City Market in Lincoln Park. At $4.82 per gallon, Nichols says his fuel costs are up about 35 percent over last year. But while the rising gas prices may impact the cost of going to market for local Illinois farmers like Nichols, it may be making their produce a better buy for consumers. Food sold at grocery stores generally has farther to travel and consequently incurs greater fuel costs.
Farmer's Market Watch: Slowly But Surely
We had another beautiful day at the Market last week. The morning clouds parted and gave way to some incredible sunshine along with a little spell of wind. Many of the vendors were holding down their tents to keep them from flying off, and I witnessed a few minor injuries. If you haven't had the chance to check out the market yet this year, Saturday looks like another great opportunity with outstanding weather and more incredible local products.
Chefs savor fresh, locally grown ingredients in their cuisine
The Frontera Farmer Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes small, sustainable farms serving the Chicago area by providing them with capital development grants of about $10,000. So far the foundation has given out almost $400,000 in grants. The hope is to foster an interchange between sustainable farmers and consumers, including farmers-market patrons and chefs.
New farmer's market director promises same old tasty treats
Since it first opened in 1979, the Market at the Square has grown from just a few produce vendors into one of the largest and most diverse farmers' markets in the state. Last year, more than 150 people registered as vendors; not all show up at the same time.
Organic crops can compete with standard agriculture
Can crops grown using organic methods compete with those grown using more typical 20th-century techniques? According to new research published* in the latest issue of the Agronomy Journal, the answer is mostly yes, but it can depend. For alfalfa and wheat the answer was an unqualified yes; corn and soybeans get a yes most of the time.
Task force urges local food production
Farmers in Illinois have no problem feeding their pigs and cows with food they produce, but most humans in the state get their food from elsewhere. A small group of legislators, educators and farmers are fighting to amend this problem.
Video: Josh Viertel: Garden Aesthetics
Josh Viertel, Yale farm manager, talks about hows aesthetics matter in getting people involved in local food at the Yale Real Food Summit
Kidding Season at Prairie Fruits Farm
Early spring means baby goats at Prairie Fruits farm in Urbana
USDA/NCR-SARE — 2008 Call for Graduate Student Proposals
SARE (the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program) is a competitive USDA CSREES grants program funded by Congress. The Graduate Student Grant Program provides funds to students enrolled in graduate programs or in veterinary medicine residence programs at accredited colleges or universities in the North Central region who are exploring some aspect of sustainable agriculture as part of their educational program. The North Central region (NCR) includes: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
ASAP Soup December 28
What is going on in Illinois sustainable agriculture? Find out with my links. Send in yours to mmcewen2 @ uiuc.edu
Organic "Watchdog" Is Keynote Speaker for Organic Conference — Jan. 17 - 18
Mark Kastel's dynamic speaking style, combined with the Cornucopia Institute's reputation as an "organics watchdog," make him perhaps the most provocative speaker in the country on issues related to agriculture, organics, and small farms.
ASAP Soup Dec 1: Local Dining at Papa George
What is going on in Illinois sustainable agriculture? Find out with my weekly links.
Papa George: Committed to Local
Papa George, a new Greek restaurant in Champaign, serves up delicious local food.
Weekly ASAP Soup October 18
What is going on in Illinois sustainable agriculture? Find out with my weekly links.
Slow Food @ Caveny and more ASAP Soup
What is going on in Illinois sustainable agriculture? Find out with my weekly links.
A Taste of Slow Food at Caveny Farm
Farmers and foodies gather to learn about agriculture and taste local food.
Weekly ASAP Soup September 26
What is going on in Illinois sustainable agriculture? Find out with my weekly links.
Weekly ASAP Soup September 19
What is going on in Illinois sustainable agriculture? Find out with my weekly links.
Fertility Strategies for Organics, 10/20, Woodford County
Scientists on Cellulosic Fuel: Avoid Mistakes Before They Happen
Forgot your password?