From the category archives:

Chicago

Chicago Food hubs connect producers, buyers

by Cassandra West May 15, 2012 Chicago
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The U. S. Department of Agriculture has compiled the first Regional Food Hub Resource Guide, which lists these innovative business models across the country—from Amissville, Va., to Salinas, Calif. The guide will interest those looking for businesses that connect producers with buyers. “The Regional Food Hub Resource Guide is an important tool to help promote [...]

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It’s seed swap season around Chicago

by Cassandra West February 24, 2012 Chicago
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This is the time of year for seed swaps around Chicago. Several groups have swaps of all sorts planned this weekend and next. Chicago Botanic Garden Seed Swap Sunday, Feb. 26 2 to 5 p.m. Details: Featuring Diane Ott Whealy co-founder of Seed Savers Exchange and author of “Gathering: Memoir of a Seed Saver.” Diane [...]

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Chicago ordinance paves way for Englewood urban farm

by Cassandra West October 25, 2011 Agriculture

The first urban farm developed under Chicago’s new urban agriculture ordinance broke ground Oct. 14 on a one-acre gravel-covered site in Englewood. Growing Home Inc., which already operates a half-acre agricultural property nearby, will manage the farm and have it planted for the spring 2012 growing season. By next summer the vacant lot will be [...]

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Locally grown, locally produced foods taking hold

by Cassandra West September 18, 2011 Chicago
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Take a look around and perhaps you’ve noticed a trend we’ve been following recently: the growth of locally produced specialty foods and drinks. Increasingly, local foods entrepreneurs are moving beyond selling produce fresh from the garden or farm. Many are now turning locally grown produce into condiments, teas, seasonings, herbal tinctures, bath and body care [...]

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Cook County seeks public input on proposed food policy council

by Cassandra West September 17, 2011 Agribusiness

The Cook County Department of Public Health is proposing the creation of a food policy council for Cook County. The food policy council would be an official committee that explores cross-agency and cross-jurisdictional food issues and makes recommendations to the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Do you live or work in Cook County, Illinois? If [...]

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Garfield Park Conservatory teaches greener living

by Cassandra West August 15, 2011 Chicago
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The Garfield Park Conservatory on Chicago’s West Side is offering another series of workshops for those interested in greener living. We encourage you to check them out. Here’s what coming up next on the Conservatory’s “Growing & Green Living” schedule: How to Harvest, Use & Brew Compost Wednesday, Aug. 17, 6-7:30 pm $5 suggested donation [...]

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FAQs on proposed urban ag ordinance in Chicago

by Cassandra West August 4, 2011 Agriculture
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Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration is moving along with plans to define urban agriculture in Chicago as it tries to get an ordinance passed by the City Council. In late July, the Mayor’s Office released an FAQ on urban agriculture and a document on urban farms (commercial) and community gardens (non-commercial). One difference between an urban [...]

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