Social Dimensions

Papers of John Ikerd — by Carol Elder — last modified October 24, 2006 02:31 PM

Writings of John Ikerd, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics at the University of Missouri Columbia, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

Organic Harvest: An Action Plan to Support Local, Organic and Family Farmed Food in Illinois — by Dan Anderson — last modified March 13, 2006 02:05 PM

This report incorporates some of the work of a feasibility study reflecting three years of focus groups, surveys and one-on-one discussions with farmers, food buyers, supermarkets, consumers, distributors, food processors, restaurants and other stakeholders concerned about developing adequate production, distribution, and marketing of local organic food. Using the data gathered, this document describes the needs and opportunities in the regional organic and local food industry. The goal of this report is to educate consumers, policymakers, business leaders, funders and the media about opportunities to use regional organic food production as a tool to promote job creation and economic development in an environmentally sound manner. A PDF version of the report can be viewed or downloaded from the URL below.

Rural Route 2 — by Andrea Parri — last modified February 17, 2006 05:33 PM

Is a coordinated interdisciplinary program effort by University of Illinois Extension in response to financial pressures and stresses confronting the Agricultural Industry.

Initiative for the Development of Entrepreneurs in Agriculture — by Andrea Parri — last modified March 01, 2006 01:08 PM

Initiative for the Development of Entrepreneurs in Agriculture (IDEA) was created by University of Illinois as a statewide initiative. IDEA conducts research, develops educational products, and provides services that encourage farmers to incorporate entrepreneurial strategies which direct their marketing efforts to meeting consumer demand.

Illinois World Food and Sustainable Agriculture Program — by Andrea Parri — last modified February 17, 2006 05:39 PM

The 1999 World Food and Sustainable Agriculture Symposium was held over three two day events each with their own topic and keynote speaker during the end of January and early February, 1999. The first day consisted of the keynote address and panel discussions followed by a second day that focused on small group meetings and workshops around campus

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development — by Andrea Parri — last modified May 24, 2007 10:46 PM

Sustainable ag farmers strive to be economically sustainable. For assistance on honing the business end of the alternative farming operation visit DCEO's Entrepreneurship and Small Business website (URL below). Experts, networks, tools and other opportunities transform your business into an appealing investment for lenders. That's where success begins. We partner with well-respected business development organizations and educational institutions that work with clients who have the vision and potential to become a high-growth enterprise. Whether your company employs two people or 102, IEN can help you Connect Outside The Box - it's a new way of thinking that extends beyond your own knowledge and experience to activate the possibilities!

Illinois Rural Recreation Development Project (IRRDP) — by Andrea Parri — last modified February 17, 2006 04:45 PM

The Illinois Rural Recreation Development Project develops sustainable local recreation and leisure services through collaboration with organizations and individuals in rural communities.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources — by Andrea Parri — last modified March 01, 2006 12:30 PM

DNR's mission is to manage, protect and sustain Illinois' natural and cultural resources; provide resource-compatible recreational opportunities and to promote natural resource-related issues for the public's safety and education. Some DNR programs and resources are applicable to sustainable agriculture farmers. For example, farmers desiring to start fee-hunting enterprises can find information pertaining to that industry.

North Central Region SARE Program — by Andrea Parri — last modified August 25, 2006 03:02 PM

Funded by the USDA, the national Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program supports and promotes sustainable farming and ranching. SARE offers competitive grants and educational opportunities for producers, scientists, educators, institutions, organizations and others exploring sustainable agriculture. Abstracts from national SARE projects are available in a comprehensive, searchable database.