July 26, 2007 
10:00 am to 03:00 pm

The demand for organic food/feed of every type continues to grow and more farmers are needed to supply the market. But what's involved in "going organic"? Is it just eliminating pesticides? How will I handle the weeds and the pests? Will I take a big hit in income during the transition? What will the neighbors think? These questions and more will be addressed at Exploring the Option: Transitioning to Organic Farming, a field tour sponsored by the UI, College of ACES, Department of NRES, Illinois Department of Agriculture’s C-2000 Sustainable Ag Grant Program, The Midwest Organic Farmers Cooperative, The Land Connection and UI Ford-Iroquois Extension Unit.

Learn from experts and local farmers who have transitioned to organic about the organic certification process, what to expect during the transition years, and how other farmers are making organic work for their operations. Other topics will include cooperative marketing and the growing potential for small-scale organic production of high-value crops. It's not easy, but it may be easier than you think. Come learn about transitioning to organic production and at the same time learn how you can minimize your input costs, increase your market opportunities, and gain control over prices for your products. An organic lunch will be served.

$20 per person, $10 for each additional family member.
Click here for on-line registration

The event will begin at the Danforth Community Center...
Danforth Community Center
201 W. Jefferson
Danforth, IL 60930-6090

Directions...

From the North…

Going south on I-57, exit at the Ashkum exit (293). Turn left and head toward Ashkum. Turn right on Rt 45 (N Front St.) Continue  south on 45. Coming into Danforth, turn right on Jefferson. It is the third road where you can turn right and go over the railroad track (by the grain elevator).  The Community Center is in the second block on the left hand side of the road.

From the South…

Going north on I-57, exit at the Gilman exit. Go east on 24, staying on it through Gilman. Outside Gilman, go north (left) on 45. Go north on 45, coming into Danforth, turn left on Jefferson. It is the first road where you can turn LEFT and go over the railroad track (by the grain elevator).  The Community Center is in the second block on the left hand side of the road.

Map of Danforth (Red star marks the Community Center)

View all the 2007 Organic Farm Tours

This tour sponsored by...
ASAP
IDOA, C-2000 Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program
Mid-west Organic Farmers Coop
The Land Connection
Ford/Iroquois County Extension Unit

Promo Materials -- Press release and brochure in Word and PDF.