Posts filed under 'Eat locally'
October 7th, 2008
Yep. it’s true. I’ve hinted about it before. Here’s a e-mailed Q&A with Margaret Larson of the University of Illinois Extension for Winnebago and Stephenson counties.
What’s the formal title of the directory? Local Foods Directory-Northern Illinois
How did the idea get started? Why and when? The idea started last April when Jane Anderson, the President of the Winnebago County 4-H and Extension Foundation, went to the Visitors Bureau to find a list of local cheese makers. They gave her a list from Green County, Wisconsin. I had examples of other local directories and showed Jane, and she urged me to consider putting a directory together for our area, since there was not one available. She knew we were interested in doing educational programming in the area of local foods and small farms production and felt that this would be a good way to connect with the local producers.
Are you the organizer behind this? Yes, I have been working with other colleagues in Extension around the state to look at the different related programming that counties are doing related to this topic. I have been active in the area providing information and education related to this topic and felt that it was a good project for the Extension Office.
What definition of “local food” are you using for the directory? As you know, there is no set definition of “local” for something like this. I tell people it depends on the area and their ability to produce food. We have a great variety of food produced locally; it just seems that many people don’t realize it.
We looked at two things — who are the producers in our immediate area, i.e. Winnebago County, Belvidere, Cherry Valley and so on. Some may be right over the border in Wisconsin but still very accessible for our population. Then we looked at products that no one in our area produces, so we included producers who might be a bit farther away. An example would be that we didn’t include vegetable producers from some distance away, because there are a number in our immediate area. But, for some specialty products, there is no one local producer, so we may include someone in Carroll County, for example.
How many providers are listed? Nearly 70 producers are listed as well as local farmers markets, plus businesses and stores that support local foods.
How is it organized? By name? By food type? Both? The producers are listed alphabetically by name or name of their business, if that is what they are identified by. We also have a system that identifies them as Farmers Market Vendors, CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) or farm direct operations.
How will it be available to the public? On the web? In a book? Both? For free? For a fee? When? Where? It is being printed — funded by the Foundation and a grant through SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education), which is a part of Extension. We will have it available at no cost and will be supplying the Visitors Bureau with copies. We will also have it on our Web site and will encourage people and organizations to put a link on their sites. We will have a downloadable PDF as well, so people can print their own copy at home.
Who are you trying to reach with the directory? What are you trying to achieve? What are you doing to promote it? We are trying to reach anyone in the area who wants to learn more about where there food comes from. It is evident by the response from producers that there are many local farms that provide opportunities for fresh produce, meats, dairy etc. As well, there is a lot of interested in “green” and “sustainability,” and I think that our concern with our food should be at the top of the list as we approach improving the way we do things. We will be asking the producers who are listed to promote the directory, and we will be supplying it to the Visitors Bureau, Chamber, etc. to pass out and promote.
How often will it be updated? We will update the Web-based copies as we get new information from producers. In terms of the printable version, that will depend on funding.
Are all of the providers organic? No, if they are certified organic, we include that information. Others include phrases like “pasture raised,” antibiotic and hormone free, and pesticide free in their description.
September 23rd, 2008
… and other fall Boone County attractions, you might see a sign for Angelic Organics farm.
There is a walking tour from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 27 at the farm, 1547 Rockton Road, Caledonia. Cost is $15. Call 815-389-8455 to register. Expect to learn about growing food without chemicals — and dress for the weather.
I’ve meant to go there to buy a cilantro plant. I’m tired of buying a bunch and using only a few leaves.
September 5th, 2008
saturday, oct. 18, at 6 p.m., at kiki b’s in rockford, you can enjoy a three-course dinner featuring local produce, meats, cheeses and wine — and meet the farmers who give their products the tlc.
cost is $50. to register, go here or call 815-986-4357 (the university of illinois extension offers this, just like it offers other events i’ve mentioned). there may be a guest speaker, so more to come on that.
by the way, the extension is working on a local foods directory, which will have at least 65 entries. more to come on that, too!
August 6th, 2008
this phrase is what i want to say to my kids when they bicker.
but it also applies to two local-food events at klehm arboretum and botanic center in rockford next month. the first reminds me of dilly beans while i was growing up. the second sounds yummy: salsa!
Preserving Local Foods: Home Canning Update, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 17, $10
JoAn Todd, University of Illinois Extension, Nutrition and Wellness Educator will be leading a program for those of you interested in learning how to preserve and can your garden harvest. This program is also excellent for those you who have been canning a long time but want to learn the latest methods and tools available to you.
Salsa Making Class, 9 to 11 a.m. Sept 24, $25
Todd will be conducting a salsa making workshop using ingredients grown locally. Everyone loves salsa! Learn how to make fresh, nutritious salsa using locally grown ingredients and preserve it so that you can enjoy salsa all through the winter months. Canning equipment, jars and ingredients will be provided. Each participant will leave with their own jar of salsa.
to register, go here, call 815-986-4357 or e-mail mbowe@illinois.edu.
p.s. i just tried this salsa fresca recipe. pretty good.
July 18th, 2008
we’ve written plenty about the farmers’ markets you can hit this summer (like here, for list, scroll to the bottom, and here and here and here).
here’s a special one: from 9 a.m. to noon saturday, july 26, the pecatonica farmers’ market will set up in the downtown parking lot.
it’s coordinated by the university of illinois extension-winnebago county and the pecatonica improvement association’s second annual car show. if the market is successful, maybe it could turn weekly next year.
for more info, call the extension office at 815-986-4357.
June 25th, 2008
i had already heard of a movable feast, the rockford eatery/caterer. but lately, karen king of choices natural market tipped me off to ”moveable feast” by james mcwilliams (not papa h.).
she says it’s about eating local and having a connection w/your food: reaping environmental and economic benefits. appears the author also wrote “a revolution in eating” available at amazon.com.
this eat-local thing is something i’m still thinking about for a weeklong experiment… could be the hardest yet (though i’ve considered following the speed limit strictly as another one).
June 17th, 2008
… there is a local event at 6 p.m. wednesday at klehm arboretum and botanic garden, 2715 s. main, rockford, on ways to promote local and organic foods.i just got off the phone with margaret larson, who works full-time at the university of illinois extension in stephenson county and part-time in winnebago county. she’s excited that a state task force (illinois local and organic food and farm task force) is holding a listening session here, because she’s been a promoter of buying/growing local foods.
according to the press release:
Everyone is invited to attend to share experiences, information, and opinions about participating in (or desiring to participate in) an Illinois food and fiber network.
Some key questions for consideration are:
1. What opportunities in local food and fiber do you envision can be derived from Illinois ’ rich agricultural soils?
Self sufficient communities with central facilities in place where farmers can bring their products for distribution in the marketplace. More organic famers in Northern Illinois.
2. What obstacles do you see for your farm or business that hinder the development or expansion of farmer to consumer networks?
Transportation & the rising cost of fuel makes it difficult and costly for individuals to transport their produce and other products. A central dropoff location and distribution point similar to “Homegrown Wisconsin” would make sense for Illinois. Given that Chicago has such a large market, farmer coops are willing to deliver to Chicago but bypass areas like Rockford. There is a lack of organic farmers in Winnebago County which makes it difficult for retail outlets such as ours to carry more local products.
The lack of Poultry processing facilities in Illinois makes it difficult for farmers to market their poultry and nearly impossible for retail outlets to carry local poultry without extreme difficulty. The only federally inspected poultry processing plant in Illinois is located in southern Illinois (5 hours south of Winnebago county). A poultry or multi-species processing facility would be of great importance in Northern Illinois. The lack of a facility prohibits area farmers from raising poultry.
Dept of Ag requirements make it costly and difficult for farmers to produce eggs to be sold at the retail level. Centrally located facilities similar to “Farmers Creamery” located in Kalona, IA, where farmers can bring their product and distribute it from there. One facility that inspects eggs, processes dairy, & markets the products would make it easier for farmers to concentrate on what they do bast, farming, while at the same time, ensuring them a market for their products and easing their burden.
3. What do you as a consumer of Illinois agricultural products envision or want to see changed?
4. What policy changes as a farmer, businessperson, or consumer would you like made at the State level to help you begin, increase the efficiency of, or complete your endeavor?
More incentives for farmers to transition to organic. County “buffer laws” put in place to prevent contamination of organic crops.
5. Are there legal impediments that now hinder you?
6. What else must be done to help you reach your goal of providing, distributing, or purchasing Illinois farm products?
If you want to participate in creating 21st Century farmer to consumer networks in Illinois that will satisfy consumer demand, create jobs, provide economic opportunity, and revitalize Illinois ’ rural communities, please join us at this listening session.
For more information, contact Larson at 815-238-1869 or mklarson@illinois.edu …
