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Up one levelThe keyword for this page is Local: Resources and it contains resources for connecting the consumer to local food systems.
Why Buy Local? Defining a local or community-based food system
This PowerPoint presentation provides an argument for supporting a community-based food system. It examines the differences between a local, or community-based, food system and the "global" food system. It also outlines the key elements that constitute a local food system. The guide discusses results from surveys on Illinois producers, institutional food buyers, and consumers. Discusses what makes a farmers' market successful, and options for retailing locally produced food in grocery stores. Concludes with a discussion of engaging community stakeholders for planning a community-based food system
Buyer Resources
Information and discussion on how to purchase and market locally grown and processed food
Producer Resources
Information and discussion on supporting the producers of locally produced/processed foods
List of Sustainable Ag, Ag Entrepreneurship, farmer directories, and statistical/data resources
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.
Highlights from the Local Food System round table discussions at Starved Rock Lodge (2-11-08) and University of Illinois Springfield (2-13-08)
The round table discussions covered the following LFS topics: why support local foods and why now, defining locally grown/processed, the challenges and strategies of sourcing local foods for meetings, what it means to assess a community food system, producer issues, institutional food buying issues, tips on creating a successful farmer’s market, local food policy, identifying community resources, and outlining goals/criteria for success. The names of the Extension staff who facilitated the discussion are in parenthesis next to the topic title.
Sample Food System Surveys
Three sample surveys to be used for understanding the local food system. One survey targets institutional food buyers, the second targets producers and processors, and the third survey targets household consumers.
Illinois Food Change Organizations
A short piece on the need for an analytical framework that makes sense of the Illinois local food movement. Also, a comprehensive spreadsheet of Illinois based food systems change organizations, listing their activities and their type of work.
Eat Well Guide
Find food in your neighborhood and when you travel that is healthful, humane, better for the environment, and that supports family farmers.
Local Harvest
A nationwide directory of farmers markets, co-ops, farms, CSAs, and more. Search by zip code or by specific product.
Illinois Farm Direct
Directory that helps connect consumers to over 600 local farmers in Illinois and 200 farmers markets. Consumers can search by location or by specific products. The site also contains information about relevant local food topics.
2008 Sustainable Agriculture Tour - Iyabo Farms
Inner-City Farms
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