RESOURCES FOR SMALL FARM BUSINESSES
Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant
Extension Specialist, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Greenview, Illinois
Resources for Small Farm Businesses
Organization & Web site Description
The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center is an electronic, national
Agricultural Marketing Resource resource for producers interested in value-added agriculture. Browse
Center commodities and products, investigate market and industry trends,
www.agmrc.org
study business creation and operation, read research results and locate
value-added resources.
Agriculture and Tourism Partners of ATPI is a non-profit association representing agriculture and tourism
Illinois entities in Illinois. ATPI’s mission is "to encourage, foster, support, and
stimulate tourism development, especially agritourism, in Illinois through
www.agfun.com support of existing business and development of new businesses."
AgriMissouri provides marketing assistance and opportunities to
Missouri food manufactures, farmers, producers, agritourism businesses
AgriMissouri and farmers’ markets. Our Web site provides consumers with a
searchable database to find Missouri products and destinations. At the
www.agrimissouri.com same time, it provides members with information about upcoming
promotions and events. Also provides information on agritourism,
farmers’ markets, restaurants and retail.
Angelic Organics Learning Center helps urban and rural people build
local food systems. We offer opportunities to grow healthy food and a
Angelic Organics Learning Center better quality of life, connect with farmers and the land, and learn
agricultural and leadership skills. The Learning Center, a nonprofit
www.learngrowconnect.org 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.
Association of Illinois Soil and Water Among other things, conservation districts help implement farm
Conservation Districts (AISWCD) conservation practices to keep soil in the fields and out of waterways
and conserve and restore wetlands.
www.aiswcd.org
ATTRA-Sustainable Agriculture The most complete, practical and user-friendly place to get information
Information Service about nearly any aspect of sustainable farming. From production to pest
management to marketing to finance, a great place to begin--with many
www.attra.org free documents and an 800 number for personalized assistance.
Beginning Farmers is an effort to develop a comprehensive and up to
Beginning Farmers date compilation of information resources for new, experienced, and
http://beginningfarmers.org
potential farmers, as well as educators, activists, and policy makers
interested in the development of new farm enterprises.
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Organization & Web site Description
Center for Agroforestry
Research, publications, newsletter and resources on agroforestry topics.
www.centerforagroforestry.org
CIAS is a research center at the University of Wisconsin dedicated to
Center for Integrated Agricultural building UW sustainable agriculture research programs that respond to
Systems (CIAS) farmer and citizen needs...and involve them in setting research
www.cias.wisc.edu
agendas. This site contains many useful publications related to
everything from crops and livestock to finances and marketing.
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
Center for Sustainable Community sustainable ways of living… for everyone. We provide seminars and
www.centerforsustainablecommunity.org
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.
Illinois Farm Beginnings is a great way to jump-start your
entrepreneurial farm business. It is a year-long training and support
Central Illinois Farm Beginnings program with three components: Winter coursework – 9 business
http://illinoisfarmbeginnings.org
planning seminars that focus on planning for profit (October to March);
Hands-on field days (April to September); and Mentoring from a
successful sustainable farmer in your field of interest.
CRAFT members gain access to hands-on training and learn skills that
will help them advance from farming novice to starting and running their
Collaborative Regional Alliance for own farm. CRAFT offers on-farm training and business planning, field
Farmer Training (CRAFT) day workshops hosted by member farms and access to a wide variety of
www.csalearningcenter.org/what/training/craft
resources. All provided directly by the experienced farmers. You will be
exposed to a wide diversity of farming practices and join a supportive
network of farmers and farmers-in-training.
The Community Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture Program’s
vision is:
to become an instrumental support for farms and communities
Community Food Systems and concerned with sustainability to increase and secure their economic
Sustainable Agriculture viability,
to support the application of sustainable practices to conserve and
http://agebb.missouri.edu/sustain/index.htm enhance Missouri’s natural resources, and
to encourage and support producers and consumers participating in
community food systems and community decision-making
processes.
FamilyFarmed.org is a website, food label, and EXPO that supports
FamilyFarmed.org Midwestern organic farmers by connecting them with consumers and
commercial buyers. FamilyFarmed.org creates sustainable economic
www.familyfarmed.org development, builds community, and contributes to a healthy
environment by encouraging people to buy food from local producers.
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Organization & Web site Description
Farm Credit Services of Illinois A farmer-owned cooperative with a single purpose in mind - to serve the
http://www.fcsillinois.com
financial, credit and insurance needs of Illinois farmers &agribusinesses.
Farmers’ Legal Action Group (FLAG) FLAG is a nonprofit law center dedicated to providing legal services to
family farmers and their rural communities in order to help keep family
www.flaginc.org farmers on the land.
Food Works was formed to draw attention to local food, local farmers
and issues of social, physical and environmental health. The mission is
Food Works “Local, sustainable food systems development for Southern Illinois.”
Food Works is involved in several programs and activities related to
http://eatsouthernillinois.org local food system development and community engagement. They work
with local and state-wide businesses and organizations to educate
about and promote local food issues.
Frontera Farmer Foundation Grants Frontera Farmer Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to
promoting small, sustainable farms serving the Chicago area by
http://www.rickbayless.com/foundation/about/html providing them with capital development grants.
Grow Your Farm is designed for prospective farmers, beginners with
some experience and seasoned farmers who want to make a "new
Grow Your Farm beginning" with alternative farming methods. MU Extension specialists
and experienced, innovative farmers teach the sessions.
http://extension.missouri.edu/growyourfarm
Grow Your Farm meets 11 times over a 16- to 18-week time frame.
Classes include eight seminars with three farm tours.
Heifer International Heifer primarily helps farmers through livestock loans, equipment, and
www.heifer.org
training.
Developed by the Organic Trade association, this site provides an
How to grow organic.com online collection of existing resources for anyone interested in
www.howtogoorganic.com
transitioning their business to organic.
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Provides information and some financial assistance through various
http://www.agr.state.il.us
grant programs, including Agri-First.
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program A statewide grant program that provides grants in the areas of on-farm
research, university research and outreach/ education.
http://agr.state.il.us/C2000/index.html
Illinois Department of Commerce and
Economic Opportunity Small business information available at Entrepreneurship and Small
Business.
http: //www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Entrepre
neurship+and+Small+Business/
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Organization & Web site Description
Illinois Direct Farm Business Provides online legal information for anyone interested in direct farm
www.directfarmbusiness.org
marketing in Illinois.
Illinois Farm Direct Directory that helps connect consumers to over 600 local farmers in
Illinois and 200 farmers markets. Consumers can search products. The
http://www.illinoisfarmdirect.org site also contains information about relevant local food topics.
A practical tool for any farm business owner, this website focuses
Illinois farmdoc primarily on issues related to business, finances, and legal
considerations. It contains articles and "web tools" for the individual who
http://www.farmdoc.illinois.edu
is truly ready to begin managing the financials of a farm business.
Illinois Finance Authority A self-financed, state authority principally engaged in issuing taxable
and tax-exempt bonds, making loans, and investing capital for
http://www.il-fa.com/products businesses, nonprofits and agricultural units statewide
The Illinois Forestry web site is designed to raise awareness, inform,
Illinois Forestry and most importantly educate citizens, students, teachers, landowners,
environmental groups, natural resource managers, foresters, and
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/forestry/home.html loggers about forestry and Illinois' most valuable, renewable natural
resource - trees.
IIRA is designed to improve the quality of life in rural areas by
developing public-private partnerships with local agencies on community
Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) development projects in rural areas. The Institute works on projects
http://www.iira.org
including rural economic and community development (including value-
added agriculture), rural health care, rural education, rural public
transportation, public management policies, housing, and technology.
Illinois Livestock Trail Information about beef, dairy, pork, poultry, and sheep/goat, pasture
www.livestocktrail.uiuc.edu
and manure.
Illinois MarketMaker A free web tool that allows users to find specific populations of
consumers by demographic and Illinois farms/food businesses.
www.marketmaker.uiuc.edu Register your farm or business here!
Illinois Small Business Advisor Provides quick access to proposed rules and regulations, changes in
requirements, and information on recently adopted legislation that could
http://www.ilsmallbizadvisor.biz/ilsttemp have an impact on a small-scale business
Illinois Small Farms Illinois Small Farms provides easy access to information for small-scale
farmers and those who work with them. It serves commercial small
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/smallfarm farmers as well as the small acreage landowner.
Illinois State Treasurer’s Office-
Cultivate Illinois Gives farmers and agriculture professionals’ access to capital to start or
enhance their operations with the help of low-interest rate loans.
www.treasurer.il.gov/programs/cultivate-illinois/cultivate-
illinois.aspx
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Organization & Web site Description
Illinois State Water Survey Alternate Lists climate and soil requirements for alternative and traditional crops.
Crop Suitability Maps Overall crop suitability maps are presented for more than 400 existing
and potential crops that include food, feed, fiber, fuel, medicinal, and
www.sws.uiuc.edu/data/altcrops food additives.
Illinois Stewardship Alliance ISA promotes ecologically sustainable, economically viable, socially just
local food systems through policy development, advocacy and
www.ilstewards.org education.
Illinois Value-Added Rural IVARDC seeks to improve the incomes of agricultural producers and
Development Center (IVARDC)
small business owners and expand employment opportunities in rural
www.value-added.org
Illinois by capturing more value-added dollars in their operations.
The Land Connection The Land Connection works to establish successful farmers on healthy
www.thelandconnection.org
farmland, ensuring an abundance of delicious, local, and organic foods.
Learn Great Foods A national touring company that teaches about the natural link that
www.learngreatfoods.com
exists between sustainable farming, great cooking and the environment.
Leopold Center for Sustainable The Leopold Center provides funding for research on sustainable
Agriculture agriculture through competitive grants program in Iowa. The Center is a
great source for a wide range of publications, newsletters, field days and
www.leopold.iastate.edu workshops open to all.
A national directory of organic farmers, this database is actually a more
Local Harvest effective for find-your-farmer searches than some of the local
www.localharvest.org
directories. If you launch an organic farm business, be sure to get listed
here!
MOSES serves farmers striving to produce high-quality, healthful food
using organic and sustainable techniques. These farmers produce more
than just food; they support thriving ecosystems and vibrant rural
Midwest Organic and Sustainable communities. This website contains information on all aspects of organic
Education Service (MOSES) farming in the Midwest. MOSES also hosts the Upper Midwest Organic
Conference every February, and prints The Upper Midwest Organic
www.mosesorganic.org
Resource Directory with comprehensive lists of suppliers, certifying
agencies, cooperatives, etc. An excellent resource for any organic
grower in the Midwest.
Minnesota Institute for Sustainable The purpose of MISA is to bring together the diverse interests of the
Agriculture agricultural community with interests from across the University
community in a cooperative effort to develop and promote sustainable
www.misa.umn.edu agriculture in Minnesota and beyond.
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Organization & Web site Description
The Missouri Alternatives Center's mission is to provide Missourians
with timely information about alternative agricultural opportunities, to
evaluate diverse enterprises, improve management decisions, increase
Missouri Alternatives Center (MAC) economic returns and enhance the quality of their lives. The MAC list
http://agebb.missouri.edu/mac/links/index.htm
includes links of Extension Guide sheets from some of the top university
research centers in the world. On these links you will be able to find
information on everything you want to raise or grow -from Asparagus to
Watermelons, and Aquaculture to Worms!
Missouri Alternative Loan Program The Missouri Department of Agriculture offers direct loans through the
Agriculture Development Fund to finance the production, processing
http://mda.mo.gov/abd/financial/altloans.php and marketing needs of an alternative agricultural enterprise.
The Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority administers
a program that enables lenders to receive federally tax-exempt interest
on loans made to beginning farmers. The tax savings are passed on to
Missouri Beginning Loan Program beginning farmers in the form of lower interest rates. A qualified
http://mda.mo.gov/abd/financial/begfarm.php
borrower can borrow up to $470,100 to buy: agricultural land; farm
buildings; farm equipment; and breeding livestock. The entire $470,100
may be used for new equipment or breeding stock, and up to $62,500
can fund used equipment or breeding stock.
Missouri Farmers’ Market Directory
Directory listing of all farmers’ markets across the state of Missouri.
http://agebb.missouri.edu/fmktdir
Three universities --Michigan State University, Purdue University, and
the University of Illinois -- have joined resources to bring seasonal
advice to field crop and vegetable growers interested in organic
agriculture. New information is posted at least twice a month during the
New Agriculture Network growing season and less frequently during winter. The on-line
www.new -ag.msu.edu
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.
NESFI promotes small farm development by providing information and
New England Small Farms Institute
training for aspiring, beginning and transitioning farmers. They maintain
(NESFI) an extensive resource collection; produce publications; develop and
www.smallfarm.org
offer innovative, farmer-guided programs; and advocate for policies that
encourage sustainable small-scale agriculture.
North American Farm Direct Marketing A nonprofit association dedicated to nurturing the farm direct marketing
Association industry—members are involved with everything from agritourism to on-
www.nafdma.com
farm retail to pick-your-own to direct delivery.
North Central Small Farms Resource
Guide for Missouri Provides a long list of helpful people and organizations within the state
of Missouri.
http://ssfin.missouri.edu/ncrsf/resource/missouri.htm
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Organization & Web site Description
Office of Small Business Development
Centers (SBDC) The SBDC provides management assistance to current and prospective
small business owners. Use this site to find an SBDC near you.
www.sba.gov
The OTA is a membership-based business association that focuses on
Organic Trade Association (OTA) the organic business community in North America. This website serves
www.ota.com
to provide current and important information related to public policy and
organic standards.
Purdue Agricultural Innovation and Will “hold your hand” through the whole process of writing a business
Commercialization Center (AICC) plan. Very helpful and intuitive; will help you learn what questions to
www.agecon.purdue.edu/planner
ask.
Rodale Institute--The New Farm The place for farmer-to-farmer knowledge transfer. Rodale has the
Program longest running organic versus convention farm trials around. A good
place for articles, web tools, books, as well as opportunities to network
http://rodaleinstitute.org/new_farm with other farmers.
SCORE: Counselors to America’s
Small Business An excellent resource for general business advice and guidance
www.score.org
Soil and Water Conservation Society The SWCS is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization that
(SWCS) serves as an advocate for conservation professionals and for science-
based conservation practice, programs and policy. The website
www.swcs.org includes many publications and links related to resource management.
The Stewards of the Land, LLC is a group of local families (all located
within a 50 mile radius from Fairbury, Illinois) helping to change the
Stewards of the Land, LLC world by producing fresh foods for kitchens across Illinois. The mission
is to create, maintain, and support the family farm, to help them become
www.thestewardsoftheland.com/index.htm
and remain sustainable and profitable, and to provide the same
opportunity for future generations.
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service –
Farmers Markets and Local Food Providing information and resources about farmers’ markets including
Marketing where to find a farmers’ market; how to start a farmers’ market; and
funding opportunities.
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ farmersmarkets
A USDA website with a significant amount of information related to all
USDA Alternative Farming Systems aspects of sustainable farming. The AFSIC specializes in identifying
Information Center resources about sustainable food systems and practices in support of
http://afsic.nal.usda.gov
USDA's effort to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture and farmers
worldwide.
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Organization & Web site Description
The Economic Research Service is a primary source of economic
USDA Economic Research Service information and research in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With
over 350 employees, ERS conducts a research program to inform public
http://www.ers.usda.gov and private decisionmaking on economic and policy issues involving
food, farming, natural resources, and rural development.
USDA Economic Research Service
Publisher of data on organic production, including “US Organic
Briefing Rooms Agriculture” with a listing of the number of certified acres by state. Other
www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/organic
useful statistics summarized in reports on website.
USDA Farm Services Agency- The Farm Service Agency provides direct and guaranteed loans to
Beginning Farm Loan Program beginning farmers and ranchers who are unable to obtain financing from
commercial credit sources. Each fiscal year, the Agency targets a
www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&su portion of its direct and guaranteed farm ownership (FO) and operating
bject=fmlp&topic=bfl loan (OL) funds to beginning farmers and ranchers.
USDA National Agricultural Statistics
Service The National Agricultural Statistics Service provides timely, accurate,
and useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture.
http://www.nass.usda.gov
The National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and
administers national production, handling, and labeling standards for
USDA National Organic Program organic agricultural products. The NOP also accredits the certifying
www.ams.usda.gov/nop
agents (foreign and domestic) who inspect organic production and
handling operations to certify that they meet USDA standards.
USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service The NRCS provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people
conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources.
www.nrcs.usda.gov
USDA North Central Region (NCR)
Sustainable Agriculture Research and NCR SARE offers competitive grants and educational opportunities for
Education (SARE) Grants producers, scientists, educators, institutions, organizations and others
exploring sustainable agriculture.
http://ncr.sare.org
USDA Risk Management Agency
RMA provides resources for farmers for protecting their operations from
(RMA) risk, through Federal Crop Insurance and information on other risk
www.rma.usda.gov
management strategies
USDA Rural Development (RD) Rural Development works to increase economic opportunity and
improve the quality of life for all rural Americans. Program areas include
www.rurdev.usda.gov business, energy and housing.
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Organization & Web site Description
ASAP's mission is to facilitate and promote research and education
University of Illinois which protects Illinois' natural and human resources while sustaining
Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture agricultural production forever. The program's current focus is to help
Program (ASAP) farmers, students and society at large understand the opportunities for
http://asap.sustainability.uiuc.edu
additional economic and ecosystem health with both sustainable and
organic approaches.
University of Illinois Extension Events calendar, extension publications, news releases, and features
http://web.extension.illinois.edu
with links to your local county extension office.
University of Missouri Extension Events calendar, extension publications, news releases, and features
http://extension.missouri.edu
with links to your local county extension office.
The Western Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society (WISAS) is a
regional, farmer-based not-for-profit organization incorporating the
Western Illinois Sustainable Agriculture counties of Adams, Pike, Scott, Morgan, Cass, Hancock, Brown,
Society
Calhoun and Schuyler. It was established in 1992 in Western Illinois to
www.wisas.org
encourage farmer practices that strike a balance between short-term
profitability and long term environmental quality and rural community
vitality.
The Alternative Crops Research Program at Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University's Alternative was established in August 2000 to investigate new crops for the
Crops Research Program Midwest and help revitalize the local economies. The goal of the
program is to provide alternative crops that can fit into the corn and
http://www.wiu.edu/AltCrops soybean rotations already in place to assist with pest problems and to
increase crop diversity.
Whole Foods Market Local Producer
Loan Program Supporting local agricultural producers and food artisans, the company
plans to provide up to $10 million annually in low-interest loans to small
www.wholefoodsmarket.com/values/local- U.S. producers.
producer-loan-program.php
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