Why Buy Local Food? Food is taken for granted We’ve forgotten how food is grown and who grows it and how fresh food tastes
Jan 29, 2016
Why Buy Local Food?
Food is taken for grantedWe’ve forgotten how food is grown and who grows it and how fresh food tastes
Interest in local food is growing
How far does your food travel?
Look in your kitchen, where did your food come from?Food may be less fresh, less nutritious, less flavorful
Buy as close to home as possible
Estimated that only 4% of food consumed in IL is produced in IL
Family Farms Family Farms strengthen strengthen communities and communities and protect natureprotect nature
Only 9 cents of your food dollar reaches the farmer in traditional food markets
Downtown QcyLocal food Local food keeps money keeps money
in our in our community community and creates and creates
jobsjobs
Local Food is as fresh as it gets!
Local food can make eating healthy easier
Shop Farmers Markets
Enjoy the best of the
season
Mill creek
Buy direct and get to know your
farmer
Request and purchase local food whenever possible
Grow your own… in Grow your own… in the backyard or join the backyard or join a community gardena community garden
Eating local is good for Eating local is good for us and our communityus and our community
www.extension.uiuc.edu/adams
www.wisas.org
What is Agri-Tourism?
• Any activity that brings the non-farm public to the farm in an effort to market a product, service or experience to that customer
Agritourism Ideas• Wineries• Bed & Breakfasts• Hunting Clubs• Farm Markets• Corn Mazes• Pumpkin farms
– School tours• Festivals
– Shrimp, wine & horseradish
– Heritage tours– Nature based
What is the Motivation Behind Agritourism Development
• Inadequate farm profits• Farm diversification (need more than cows and
sows)
• Efforts to improve utilization of all farm resources
• Develop hobbies into profitable businesses• Retirement• Many more
For more information:
Carrie EdgarUniversity of Illinois Extension
Adams/Brown Unit 217-223-8380
www.extension.uiuc.edu/adams