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Up one levelDot earth
By 2050 or so, the world population is expected to reach nine billion, essentially adding two Chinas to the number of people alive today. Those billions will be seeking food, water and other resources on a planet where, scientists say, humans are already shaping climate and the web of life. In Dot Earth, reporter Andrew C. Revkin examines efforts to balance human affairs with the planet’s limits. Supported in part by a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship, Mr. Revkin tracks relevant news from suburbia to Siberia, and conducts an interactive exploration of trends and ideas with readers and experts.
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
Golfers and Golf Courses Benefit from the Use of Native Grasses in Roughs
Some golfers may prefer a well-manicured golf course, highly-maintained with very green, very short grass that's easy to play off of. But, according to two recent studies at the University of Illinois, a naturalized landscape that incorporates native grasses benefits biodiversity, saves costs on pesticides and labor for the golf course, and could create a course which is just as challenging for golfers.
Beyond the Farmers' Market: Planning for Local Food Systems In Illinois
A detailed guide to supporting the development of local food producers, processors, and markets in your community
Beyond the Farmers' Market: Planning for Local Food Systems In Illinois
A detailed guide to supporting the development of local food producers, processors, and markets in your community
Urban Soil Quality Initiative
Think of our web site as an electronic community garden - it's a workspace to share resources about urban gardening and soil.
Benefits to the Environment
Climate change, water quality, soil health, biodiversity -- organic agriculture delivers the goods.
Is Organic Productive Enough?
Critics often claim organic agriculture isn't productive enough to feed the world. It's true farmers converting to organic often experience a yield drop, but many farmers see their organic yields climb over time as the soil and system adjust to organic practices and the farmer become more proficient. Now research comparing organic and conventionally grown crops show that organic can be as productive, sometimes more productive than conventional farming.
Climate change presents a tough choice for governments determined both to fight global warming and tackle the rising cost of living.
By Gerard Wynn - Analysis
All-Day Permaculture ‘Design & Work’ Biltz – Saturday, June 14
Join us for a one-day Permaculture Design-Blitz in Stelle A permaculture blitz is when a group of people get together to transform or ‘permaculturize’ someone’s yard in a single day or weekend. Walk with Becky and me as we piece together the next stage in the permaculture design for our home with the expert advice of Ron Nowicki (pictured). We will all learn from his 30 years of experience as a permaculturist and ecological-landscape designer. In the afternoon, everyone is invited to get some hands-on experience in design layout and implementation. This should be a really fun and educational day for all of us.
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.
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.
Follow up on SARE Conference
Many of the posters, breakout session presentations, and handouts from the 2008 SARE Conference are now available online.
Summer Institute: Ag-Librarians and Scientists Working Together
GSLIS is hosting a four-day Summer Institute on Data Curation and Ag and Earth Sciences are used as a Case Study
University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center Organic Field Day
USDA AWARDS $1.52 MILLION FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECTS
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