FOOD NONPROFITS l Facing unprecedented challenges from federal funding freezes, the Farmers Rising farmer training nonprofit in north-central Illinois is holding a "Barnyard Blues" fundraising concert on May 17.

Spring is a time for hope. And I hope the warmer weather forecast for Saturday — when I'll again be visiting Chicago's Green City Market — is right. The market in exurban Grayslake joins the slim April outdoor market schedule...

FOOD DOCUMENTARIES l Chicago food co-op Wild Onion Market is hosting an Earth Day showing of The Jungle, a film about the meat industry...

ORGANIC FARMING l Organic Farming Research Foundation asks you to sign a petition TODAY to support a major organic farming research bill...

ORGANIC FARMING l Organic Farming Research Foundation launched the Organic Research Hub to Help Farmers Find Solutions to On-Farm Issues...

FARMERS MARKETS l Damn the chill and the damp. Nothing would keep this farmers market fanatic from the kickoff of Chicago's outdoor season

FARMERS MARKETS l There are many ways to declare the official start of spring. Saturday's kickoff to Chicago's outdoor market season is one

FARM EVENTS l The Liberty Prairie non-profit is holding a Spring Plant Sale and Farm Festival in Grayslake, near Illinois' northeast corner

FARM FUNDING CRISIS l U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D- NJ, proposes a bill to require USDA to unfreeze programs and honor contracts with farmers

FARMERS MARKETS l On April 5, Green City Market kicks off the Chicago region's market season — & wraps up a fundraiser with a 2x match...