For the sixth consecutive year, University of Illinois Extension is offering tours that highlight sustainable agriculture operations around the state of Illinois. Seven unique locations have been selected for this year's sustainable agriculture tours, representing the broad diversity of the topic. These tours provide a rare opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at Illinois farms and businesses that approach sustainable agriculture creatively. Sustainable agriculture looks a little different as each operation develops its own niche products, agritourism opportunities and other enterprises to maintain or supplement farm income.
 

The schedule for the 2008 sustainable agriculture tours is as follows:

May 13, Eagle Dancer Ridge Llamas, Inc. in East Peoria www.edrlamas.com/

June 20, Learn Great Foods in Mount Carroll http://www.learngreatfoods.com/

July 11, Lyons Fisheries in Sandoval

July 22, Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm Community Supported Agriculture (http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M5067)

August 8, University of Illinois Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, Dixon Springs (http://www.cropsci.uiuc.edu/research/rdc/dixonsprings/events.cfm) This tour is being co-sponsored by the Upper Midwest Organic Tree Fruit Growers Network

September 8, Iyabo Farms in Hopkins (http://www.sustainusa.org/familyfarmed/profile_iyabo.html)

October 3, Mill Creek Farm in Quincy (http://www.millcreekfarmquincy.com/)

 
A fee of $20 per person will be charged for each tour, which includes lunch. Registration at least one week in advance is required.  Visit www.extension.uiuc.edu/smallfarm/ to register and for more details about each of the tours including a map and agenda.  To register by phone, contact Donna Cray at 217-241-4644.  For more information, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant (217-968-5512; cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu).

The tours are sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Professional Development Program, the Agriculture and Tourism Partners of Illinois (www.agritourismillinois.com), and the Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program at the University of Illinois.