Illinois Small Farms
New Ag Network
Three universities—University of Illinois, Michigan State University, and Purdue University—have joined resources to bring seasonal advice to field crop and vegetable growers interested in organic agriculture. New information is posted twice a month during the growing season and less frequently during winter (see calendar). Our on-line newsletter features crop updates from organic growers and articles from university specialists about a variety of practices and new findings useful for organic growers. The information serves those interested in transitioning to organic as well as those currently practicing low-input or organic agriculture.
The Organic Center
Generates credible, peer-reviewed scientific information and communicates the verifiable benefits of organic farming and products to society. The site includes information about the State of the Science, as well as a newsletter and organic resources
NCR Organic and Sustainable Ag Video Series 2008
University of Illinois is joining Purdue University, Michigan State University, and Ohio State University to offer an interactive video conference series presented by researchers, organic farmers, and extension educators. The series is sponsored by Cooperative Extension Services at University of Illinois, Purdue University, Michigan State University and The Ohio State University, and also supported by funding from USDA's NCR Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. The website includes information about the 2008 program, as well as information about the 2007 series.
Organic Resources
Certification
An Overview of the Certification Process
Procedures of Organic Certification
- Guide to ATTRA’s Organic Publications
- ATTRA’s Overview of Organic Crop Production
- ATTRA’s National Organic Program Compliance Checklist
Examples of Organic Standards
- Farm Verified Organic Program
- Global Organic Alliance, Inc.
- Indiana Certified Organic
- Organic Crop Improvement Association International
- Organic Trade Association
- Oregon Tilth, Inc.
- USDA National Organic Program
Examples of Organic Certification Fees
- Indiana Certified Organic
- Midwest Organic Services Association
- Organic Crop Improvement Association International
- Oregon Tilth, Inc.
Certification Organizations Operating In Illinois
- Certified Organic, Inc.
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500 First St.
Keosauqua, IA 52565
Phone: 1-866-581-6428 (call toll free)
certifiedorg@netins.net - Global Organic Alliance, Inc.
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P.O. Box 530
Bellefontaine, OH 43311-0530
Phone: (937) 593-1232
Fax: (937) 593-9507
globalorganicalliance@hughes.net - Indiana Certified Organic
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8364 South SR39
Clayton, IN 46118
Phone: (317) 539-4317
Fax: (317) 539-4319
icodirector@earthlink.net - International Certification Services, Inc.
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301 5th Ave. SE
Medina, ND 58467
Phone: (701) 486-3578
Fax: (701) 486-3580
info@ics-intl.com - Midwest Organic Services Association
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821 122 West Jefferson Street
Viroqua, WI 54665
Phone: (608) 637-2526
Fax: (608) 637-7032
mosa@mosaorganic.org - Organic Crop Improvement Association International
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6400 Cornhusker, Suite 125
Lincoln, NE 68507
Phone: (402) 477-2323
Fax: (402) 477-4325
info@ocia.org - Oregon Tilth, Inc.
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470 Lancaster Dr. NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 378-0690
Fax: (503) 378-0809
organic@tilth.org
A Primer on Organic Practices
General Principles
- National Organic Program’s Organic Production and Handling Standards Fact Sheet
- ATTRA’s Overview of Organic Agriculture (PDF)
- Economic Research Service Briefing Room on Organic Farming and Marketing
- FAQs about Organic Farming from the Organic Farming Research Foundation
Crop Production
- ATTRA’s Organic and Sustainable Practices Workbook for Cropping Systems
- ATTRA’s Organic Field Crop Publications
- Acres U.S.A. – Online Edition
- Organic Materials Review Institute
- Organic Agriculture Information
Fruit and Vegetable Production
- ATTRA’s Organic Fruit Crop Publications
- ATTRA’s Organic Vegetables, Flowers, & Herbs Publications
- New Farm by the Rodale Institute
- Illinois Fruit and Vegetable News
- Organic Agriculture Information
Livestock Production
- ATTRA’s Organic and Sustainable Practices Workbook for Livestock Systems
- ATTRA’s Organic Livestock Publications
- Organic Agriculture Information
Some Favorite Links
For a wide variety of information on organic farming organized by topic:
- ATTRA’s Master List of Organic Publications
- Guide to ATTRA’s Organic Publications
- Organic Agriculture Information
Organic Marketing in Illinois
USDA Organic Price Reports
Wholesale Markets
- Midwest Organic Farmers Cooperative
- Clarkson Grain – Organic and non-GMO
- The New Farm’s Organic Price Index
- Chicago’s Green City Market
Farmers’ Markets, Roadside Stands, and On-Farm Sales
Farmers’ Markets
- Farm Direct
- Farmers’ Markets in Illinois – USDA Directory
- USDA Farmer Direct Marketing Website
- WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
- Rules, Regulations, and Legal Information
- Funding Sources
- How-to Guidebooks for Farmers’ Markets
Roadside Stands
On-Farm Sales
Find an Existing Business
Some Favorite Links
- ‘Building Better Rural Places’ by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
- Direct Farm Marketing and Tourism Handbook
- Organic Marketing Resources from ATTRA
Community Supported Agriculture
- CSA Website by the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
- Robyn Van En Center for CSA Resources
- CSA Locator
- Resource List from UMass Extension
- Farm Direct
Other Approaches
