University of Illinois Extension

Illinois Small Farms

Resources

List of Organizations and Programs Involved in Small Farm Work

Angelic Organics Learning Center

Angelic Organics Learning Center helps urban and rural people build local food systems. We offer opportunities to grow healthy food and a better quality of life, connect with farmers and the land, and learn agricultural and leadership skills. The Learning Center, a nonprofit organization, reaches more than 4,000 people each year through its programs at partner farms and urban growing sites in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

1547 Rockton Rd
Caledonia, IL 61011
(815) 389-8455
learn@learngrowconnect.org
Agriculture Tourism Partners of Illinois

ATPI is a non-profit association representing agriculture and tourism entities in Illinois. ATPI’s mission is "to encourage, foster, support, and stimulate tourism development, especially agritourism, in Illinois through support of existing business and development of new businesses."

ATPI c/o CITDO
700 East Adams
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 525-7980
Center for Sustainable Community

CSC is dedicated to fostering harmonious relationships that honor and embrace the natural world and humanity. We join the millions of others on our planet today that are engaged in the discovery and creation of sustainable ways of living… for everyone. We provide seminars and workshops as well as other educational and experiential events designed by ourselves and others, focusing on areas such as green technology, permanent agriculture (permaculture), holistic health and healing, and the experience of community living.

Center for Sustainable Community
123 Crescent Lane
Stelle, IL 60919
(815) 256-2204
FamilyFarmed.org

FamilyFarmed.org is a website, food label, and EXPO that supports Midwestern organic farmers by connecting them with consumers and commercial buyers. FamilyFarmed.org creates sustainable economic development, builds community, and contributes to a healthy environment by encouraging people to buy food from local producers.

Sustain
7115 W. North Ave, #504
Oak Park, IL 60302
708-763-9920 x109
Illinois Direct Farm Business

Provides online legal information for anyone interested in direct farm marketing in Illinois.

Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA)

IIRA is designed to improve the quality of life in rural areas by developing public-private partnerships with local agencies on community development projects in rural areas. The Institute works on projects including rural economic and community development (including value-added agriculture), rural health care, rural education, rural public transportation, public management policies, housing, and technology.

Dr. Christopher Merrett, Director
Stipes 515
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 298-2281
CD-Merrett@wiu.edu
Illinois Stewardship Alliance (ISA)

ISA is a citizen's organization that promotes a safe and nutritious food system, family farming, and healthy communities by advocating diverse, humane, and socially just and ecologically sustainable production and marketing practices.

Gayle Keiser, Executive Director
ISA
PO Box 648
Rochester, IL 62563
(217) 498-9707
isa@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org
Initiative for the Development of Entrepreneurs in Agriculture

IDEA is a statewide initiative created by the University of Illinois that conducts research, develops educational products, and provides services that encourage farmers to incorporate entrepreneurial strategies that direct their marketing efforts to meeting consumer demand.

University of Illinois Extension
4550 Kennedy Drive
East Moline, IL 61244
(309) 796-0512
Illinois Value-Added Rural Development Center

The center conducts research and provides outreach to residents and communities in rural Illinois on agriculture and non - agriculture projects. Its purpose is to assist in creating value-adding ventures that benefit the economy, quality of life, and diversification of communities.

Illinois Value-Added Rural Development Center
Stipes 508
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 796-2589
iira@wiu.edu
Learn Great Foods

A national touring company that teaches about the natural link that exists between sustainable farming, great cooking and the environment.

Ann Dougherty
Learn Great Foods
203 E. Seminary, Box 182
Mt. Carroll, Illinois 61053
(866) 240-1650
contact@learngreatfoods.com
The Land Connection

The Land Connection (TLC) preserves farmland, trains farmers, and supports sustainable farming through land conservation actions, education programs, and farmer-farmland matching, to help ensure every community in Illinois has access to local and organic food.

Terra Brockman, Founder and Director of Communications and Farmer Training
The Land Connection
1227 Dodge Ave., Suite 200
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 570-0701
info@thelandconnection.org
University of Illinois Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program

ASAP's mission is to facilitate and promote research and education which protects Illinois' natural and human resources while sustaining agricultural production forever. The program's current focus is to help farmers and society at large understand the opportunities for additional economic and ecosystem health with both sustainable and organic approaches.

Dr. Michelle Wander, Faculty Director
University of Illinois
W-225 Turner Hall
102 S. Goodwin
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-9471
mwander@uiuc.edu
Western Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society

The Western Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society (WISAS) is a regional, farmer-based not-for-profit organization incorporating the counties of Adams, Pike, Scott, Morgan, Cass, Hancock, Brown, Calhoun and Schuyler. It was established in 1992 in Western Illinois to encourage farmer practices that strike a balance between short-term profitability and long term environmental quality and rural community vitality.

Western Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society
110 E. Fayette
Pittsfield, IL 62363
217-285-411

Funding Sources

Farm Credit Services 

A network of independently-owned and operated credit and financial service institutions that serve farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses across the country.

Frontera Farmer Foundation Grants

The Frontera Farmer Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to promoting small, sustainable farms serving the Chicago area by providing them with capital development grants. The Foundation will award grants for capital improvements of up to $12,000 to small and medium-size, individually owned farms that sell their food products to customers in the Chicago area at farmers markets and otherwise. Farmers must have been in business for at least two years and must demonstrate how the grant will improve both their farm’s viability and the availability of locally grown food products in the Chicago area. Grant applicants will be judged on the basis of demonstrated need, long-term dedication to sustainable farming, creative and business acumen, and commitment to sustainability.

Heifer International

Heifer primarily helps farmers through livestock loans, equipment and training.

Esther Muchiri
773-279-9696.
Illinois Council on Food and Agriculture Research

The mission of C-FAR is to secure additional resources to adequately fund relevant and high-quality research and related outreach programs that lead to profitable, consumer-sensitive, and environmentally sound food and agricultural systems in Illinois and the nation.

Kraig A. Wagenecht, Executive Administrator
Illinois Council on Food & Agricultural Research (C-FAR)
1101 W. Peabody Dr
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 244-4232
wagenech@uiuc.edu
Illinois Department of Agriculture Illinois AgriFirst Grant Program

AgriFIRST is the direct result of grassroots input generated from regional Ag Assembly meetings held in 2000. Those meetings brought together leaders in the agriculture community to address the challenges facing Illinois agriculture. Ag Assembly participants recommended the creation of a grant program to provide monies for feasibility studies and technical assistance for value-added projects that raise farmers' share of profits from the processing of raw commodities. AgriFIRST was created in 2001 and demonstrates the Department's commitment to the agriculture and food industry.

Illinois Department of Agriculture C-2000 Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program

A statewide grant program that provides grants in the areas of (1) On-Farm Research and Demonstration; (2) Outreach and Education; and (3) University Research

Mike Rahe, Coordinator
Illinois Department of Agriculture
PO Box 19281
Springfield, IL 62794-9281
(217) 785-5594
mrahe@agr.state.il.us
Illinois Entrepreneurship Network
  • Business Information Center
  • Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
  • Illinois Business Financing Matrix (PDF)
    A guide to Federal, State and Regional loan incentive and grant programs for business and economic development.
Illinois Finance Authority

A self-financed, state authority principally engaged in issuing taxable and tax-exempt bonds, making loans, and investing capital for businesses, nonprofits and agricultural units statewide.

Beginning Farmer Bond Program

This program provides affordable financing to farmers by using federally tax exempt bonds ("Aggie Bonds") to reduce the interest rate on a loan to purchase farmland. This program can be used between a buyer and his/her local lender or between a buyer and the seller for a contract purchase. The lender or contract seller make all credit decisions for the loan. Loans may be used to purchase capital assets including farmland, new or used farm improvements or buildings, new equipment, and used equipment when purchased with farmland. Loan proceeds may not be used to finance a residence. The maximum loan size is $250,000. Eligibility requirements include:

  • Illinois resident at least 18 years old;
  • Net worth of less than $500,000;
  • Borrower will be the principal user of the capital item;
  • Have not owned a significant amount of farmland.
Illinois State Treasurer's Office — Agriculture and Alternative/Value Added Agriculture

Gives farmers and agriculture professionals access to capital to start or enhance their operations with the help of low-interest rate loans. The Treasurer’s Office offers five types of Cultivate Illinois loans: Annual Operating Loans; Long-Term Loans; Alternative Ag Loans; Storm and Drought Loans; and Green Rewards.

Agriculture Programs
1 West Old State Capital Plaza, Suite 814
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 558-6215
Natural Resources Grant Opportunities in Illinois

IDNR's C2000 Program Natural Resources Grant Opportunities in Illinois Web site. This web site introduces users to valuable financial resources by incorporating state and national grant options into one user-friendly site. The site was developed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Conservation 2000 Ecosystems Program.

Organic Farming Research Foundation

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) fosters the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming practices. They have two grant programs: Research and Education and Outreach. OFRF's upcoming proposal deadlines are December 17, 2007 and July 15, 2008.

Thanks to a major new partnership with Stretch Island Fruit Company, the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) will invest $450,000 over the next three years in organic fruit research and education projects. In addition to this special fruit initiative, OFRF plans to award a record quarter million dollars in general organic project grants in 2008. OFRF has issued its Request for Proposals for organic research and education projects for Spring and Fall 2008 grants. Proposals for awards of up to $15,000 per year ($20,000 for fruit projects) are due to OFRF on or before December 17, 2007 and July 15, 2008. Multi-year funding will be considered for fruit projects. Fruit proposals are subject to the same application and review process as OFRF's general grants program, but will be underwritten by the new partnership funds. The full Request for Proposals and application information are available online or by contacting Jane Sooby at the OFRF office (831-426-6606, ).

Organic Farming Research Foundation
P.O. Box 440
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
831-426-6606
USDA Farm Services Agency – Beginning Farm Loan Program

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides direct and guaranteed loans to beginning farmers and ranchers who are unable to obtain financing from commercial credit sources. Each fiscal year, the Agency targets a portion of its direct and guaranteed farm ownership (FO) and operating loan (OL) funds to beginning farmers and ranchers.

USDA North Central Region (NCR) Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

The NCR SARE program has awarded more than $30 million worth of competitive grants to farmers and ranchers, researchers, educators, public and private institutions, nonprofit groups, and others exploring sustainable agriculture in 12 states.

USDA Rural Development

Rural Development achieves its mission by helping rural individuals, communities and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs. Rural Development works to make sure that rural citizens can participate fully in the global economy.

Underserved Producer Grantwriting Assistance Project

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI), a nonprofit educational institute in East Troy, Wisconsin announces a new project, funded by USDA's Risk Management Agency that pays experienced grantwriters to assist producers in submitting proposals to federal agencies to support their work. The project places priority on serving socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, whom RMA describes as belonging to "a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity as a member of the group without regard to their individual qualities. SDA groups are women, African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders."

Project Announcement

Whole Foods Market Local Producer Loan Program

Whole Foods Market, the leading organic and natural foods supermarket, is seeking local farmers and other food producers who are interested in participating in its new Local Producer Loan Program. As part of a company-wide initiative supporting local agricultural producers and food artisans, the company plans to provide up to $10 million annually in low-interest loans to small producers in the U.S.

At five to nine percent, the interest rates currently offered through Whole Foods Market's pilot program to small agricultural producers can be extremely attractive. The program has other attributes geared to small producers: loan application paperwork is minimized; there are no penalties for early repayment; and loan terms may be from a few months to ten years.

The Local Producer Loan Program is part of Whole Foods Market's renewed commitment to local agriculture. This includes hosting farmers markets at stand-alone stores, refocusing in-store marketing to highlight locally-produced products, and hiring regional staff focused specifically on sourcing local products.

"It is Whole Foods Market's intention to help finance local food production all over the United States," said John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market. "We are going to 'walk our talk' with financial support for local, small-scale agriculture. We believe this financial assistance of up to $10 million per year can make a very significant difference in helping local food production grow and flourish across the United States."

Producers throughout the U.S. are invited to participate in the program. Those interested can find more information and a loan application at the LPLP website. They can also contact the program coordinators at .

Publications

Newsletters

Agro-Ecology News and Perspectives

Agro-Ecology News and Perspectives was published by the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) until December 2006. This newsletter is designed to inform its readers about the well being of human and natural communities through the adoption of agricultural practices and farming systems that are economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially just. The printed issue was edited by Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant and Debra Levy Larson, designed by Scherer Communications and produced by Roberts Design Company. Copy editing by Molly Bentsen.

Illinois Fruit and Vegetable News

A Newsletter for Commercial Growers of Fruit and Vegetable Crops. A publication of University of Illinois Extension and the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences.

University of Illnois Extension Publications

A listing of current newsletters by University of Illinois Extension and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

Other Small Farm Resources

Clarkson Grain Company

Clarkson Grain supplies grains, oilseeds, and related ingredients for foods and feeds. We select varieties that optimize clients' process yield as well as flavor, nutrition, security, and access to markets including natural, organic, and kosher. We produce crops by contracting with approved farmers on dryland and irrigated fields over a broad geographic area. Exclusive genetics, preparation services, and detailed supply chain management offer clients unusual process and product advantages.

PO Box 80
320 E. South St
Cerro Gordo, IL 61818-0080
(800) 252-1638
Cooking Up A Story

A show about people, food and sustainable living.

Eatwild.com

Eatwild.com is your source for safe, healthy, natural and nutritious grass-fed beef, lamb, goats, bison, poultry, pork, dairy and other wild edibles. The website provides comprehensive, accurate information about the benefits of raising animals on pasture; Links consumers with local suppliers of all-natural, delicious, grass-fed products; and provides a marketplace for farmers who raise their livestock on pasture from birth to market and who actively promote the welfare of their animals and the health of the land.

Goodness Greenness

Goodness Greenness is the Midwest’s leading source for fresh, organic produce and the largest privately held organic distributor in the country. The company directly supplies over 300 stores that include the region's largest supermarkets and independent retailers. Goodness Greenness has developed a private label brand of regional organic food, including an all-new Fresh Cut product line, which is being distributed throughout the Midwest.

5959 South Lowe
Chicago, IL 60621
(773) 224-4411
sales@goodnessgreeness.com
Hort Answers – University of Illinois Extension

Comprehensive guide that provides localized information to help select and care for plants as well as identify and manage plant diseases, insects and other problems.

Illinois Center for Soy Foods

ICSF is dedicated to developing innovative processing and marketing techniques, educating society on the advantages of a soy enriched diet, and communicating health benefits of new soy foods.

Illinois Department of Agriculture, Ag News, Education and Services Toll-Free Hot Line

Provides information about the department's programs and services.

1-800-273-4763 (voice and TDD)
PO Box 19281
State Fairgrounds
Springfield, IL 62794-9281
Eggs Information
Meat and Poultry Information
Livestock Management Facilities Act
Organic contact: Delayne Reeves
Bureau of Marketing
(217) 524-9129
delayne.reeves@illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Small business information available at Entrepreneurship and Small Business. Call toll free: 1-800-252-2923

Illinois Small Business Advisor offers quick access to proposed rules and regulations, changes in requirements, and provides information on recently adopted legislation that impacts small business.

Illinois Fresh

Guide to u-pick farms, roadside markets and farmers markets.

Illinois Livestock Trail

Information about beef, dairy, goats, horses, pork, poultry, and sheep.

Illinois Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) Chapter #1

Chapter of the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA), an international organic certifying agency.

Karen Kinstetter
Hemlock Lane Produce
N5364 Hemlock Lane
Kewaunee, WI 54216
(920) 388-4369
Fax: 920/388-3408
kkinstetter@itol.com
Illinois Specialty Farm Products

The Value project explores strategies for improving farm incomes through specialty farm products and value-added processing.

Illinois State Water Survey, Alternative Crops Project

The Alternative Crops Project site lists climate and soil requirements for alternative and traditional crops. Overall crop suitability maps, based on crop requirements and the soil and climate of Illinois, are presented for more than 400 existing and potential crops that include food, feed, fiber, fuel, medicinal, and food additives.

Indiana Certified Organic (ICO)

Certifying in Indiana and surrounding states.

Cissy Bowman, Organizational Director
83645 SR 39
Clayton, IN 46118
(317) 539-4317
cvof@iquest.net
Midwest Organic Farmers Cooperative

The purpose of MOFC is to serve our members through promoting organic systems in agriculture, education, public policy, and the favorable marketing of organic products. The cooperative is an affiliate member of the Organic Farmers Agency for Relationship Marketing (OFARM).

Bonnie Wagner
Administrative Director
100A S. Lafayette St.
Newton, IL 62448
(618) 783-4601
mofc20@msn.com
Midwest Permaculture

Midwest Permaculture provides quality permaculture education and
trainings. Bill and Becky Wilson, Mark Shepard and Wayne Weiseman share the best of their decades of personal experience in creating 'permanent-culture' to create powerful educational experiences for the
beginning and the experienced permaculturist alike.

Missouri Alternatives Center

The Missouri Alternatives Center works to improve small farm profitability and, at the same time, maintain the agricultural base needed to sustain rural communities, by giving farmers and landowners access to the information they need. The Missouri Alternatives Center serves as a communications center for farmers, Extension staff, government personal and people who want to begin farming, diversify their current operation, or find ways to profit from small amounts of acreage.

North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA)

The North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA) is a trade association dedicated to nurturing the farm direct marketing industry. Members include farmers, farmers' market managers, extension agents, industry suppliers, government officials and others who are part of the thriving farm direct marketing industry in North America. NAFDMA advances the prosperity of its members and the farm direct marketing industry through education, networking, advocacy, research and innovation.

Rural Partners

Rural Partners is a member-driven forum that links individuals, businesses, organizations and communities with public and private resources to maximize the potential of rural Illinois.

Rural Route 2

Rural Route 2 is a coordinated interdisciplinary program effort by University of Illinois Extension in response to financial pressures and stresses confronting the Agricultural Industry.

Soil Quality

Improving How Soil Works.

Small Farms @ USDA

This web site is intended to be a one-stop gateway to resources, benefits and services offered by USDA for small farmers. In addition, this site includes a section which provides visitors with a link to the USDA Progress Reports and Small Farms Database developed by the Department in response to the recommendations submitted in the USDA National Commission on Small Farms report, A Time To Act.

USDA Farm Service Agency

Stabilizing farm income, helping farmers conserve land and water resources, providing credit to new or disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and helping farm operations recover from the effects of disaster are the missions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA).

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRCS works to protect and enhance natural resources by working one-on-one with private landowners and community leaders to put conservation on the land. NRCS delivers technical assistance based on sound science, suited to a customer's specific needs. Cost share and financial incentives are available in some cases.

University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois’ 102 counties – and far beyond. Through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work, U of I Extension’s programs are aimed at making life better, healthier, safer and more profitable for individuals and their communities. U of I Extension offers educational programs in five broad areas: healthy society, food security and safety, Environmental stewardship, Sustainable and profitable food production and marketing systems and enhancing youth, family and community well-being.

University of Illinois Forestry

The site is designed to raise awareness, inform, and most importantly educate citizens, students, teachers, landowners, environmental groups, natural resource managers, foresters, and loggers about forestry and Illinois' most valuable, renewable natural resource – trees.

Western Illinois University's Alternative Crops Research Program

The Alternative Crops Research Program at Western Illinois University was established in August 2000 to investigate new crops for the Midwest and help revitalize the local economies. The goal of the program is to provide alternative crops that can fit into the corn and soybean rotations already in place to assist with pest problems and to increase crop diversity.