The Champaign Farmers Market, Urbana’s Market at the Square, and UBA’s Market in the Square have put together guidelines in collaboration with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District for the safe operation of the markets in 2020. The safety plan and guidelines took into account the suggestions made by the Illinois Farmers Market Association and University […]
Effective Farm Succession Planning, by Art Littlefield
By Art Littlefield In conjunction with Lincoln Financial Advisors Agribusiness Services Farmers invest significant amounts of time, energy, effort, and money to make their farms successful. Quite often, due to the demands of field work, planting, spraying, harvest, equipment maintenance, etc., planning for succession is a low priority. All too frequently the memory is that, […]
Edible (Native) Landscaping
by Erin Harper, University of Illinois Extension There are several native plants that are great for landscaping and can provide food. These include nuts from trees such as maple, pecan, and hazelnuts; fruits such as ground cherry, persimmon, and plums; berries: blackberries, raspberries, and elderberry; leafy greens; roots: chicory, garlic, and sassafras; and many more. […]
New Statewide Local Food Resource Launches to Connect Farmers with Consumers
Buy Fresh Buy Local Illinois is now open for farmers, farmers markets, and local food businesses looking to expand their customer base and connect with more Illinois shoppers. As the order to stop normal operations amid the COVID-19 outbreak continues, Illinois farms, as well as food and beverage businesses along the supply chain, are seeking […]
Managing Risk: Community Over Crisis [in the age of COVID-19]
by Katie Funk and Jeff Hake, Funks Grove Heritage Fruits and Grains We were supposed to present at a workshop last week, hosted by The Land Connection and led by Farm Commons. At the root of this workshop was risk management: forecasting and evaluating risks and then taking steps to minimize their impact. The topics […]
Transforming the Food System, One Tray at a Time
by Marlie Wilson, Chicago Food Policy Action Council Imagine if the cafeteria at your local hospital was considered one of the best, most affordable, restaurants in the neighborhood. Not only is the atmosphere warm and inviting, but the food is fantastic: creative salad options with legumes, tofu, seeds and nuts; spicy stir fry dishes, healing […]
