Farm groups offer online farmers market and agritourism directory

[May 17, 2012]  BLOOMINGTON -- Prairie Bounty of Illinois, a directory of direct-from-the-farm sellers, farmers markets and agritourism businesses, is now available online at www.specialtygrowers.org/prairie-bounty.html.

Provided by the Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Specialty Growers Association, the directory contains contact information and locations for more than 900 individual growers of fruits, vegetables and herbs throughout Illinois. The directory also provides consumers with farms' contact information, products available, method of sale and a complete list of all farmers markets and agritourism businesses in Illinois, searchable by city, county or ZIP code.

"As consumers become more involved in how their food is produced, they often become more interested in supporting local farms by purchasing locally grown food," said Diane Handley, affiliate association manager for the Illinois Farm Bureau. "This directory helps consumers do just that -- support local farmers and buy farm-fresh produce and products at farms and farmers markets across the state."

The directory is constantly updated as growers add their names and markets to the system. Growers interested in adding their names and businesses to Prairie Bounty of Illinois may contact Diane Handley at 309-557-3662 or [e-mail], or visit the Illinois Specialty Growers website at www.specialtygrowers.org for instructions on how to register.

[Text from file received from Illinois Farm Bureau]