COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE l CSA is a practice under which consumers subscribe directly to purchase food from individual farms. After years of writing about them, I've finally joined two

FARMS AND FARMERS l Kakadoodle Farm in south suburban Chicago has been hit by avian flu and the federal funding freeze. But their local food e-commerce site keeps on trucking

FARMERS MARKETS l Get a glimpse of opening day for the farmers market in Grayslake, IL - and learn about an upcoming regular feature that will expand our regional farmers market coverage

FARMERS MARKETS l While it is not surprising to find throngs there during peak season, a Saturday (April 12) warmup brought big crowds to Chicago's Green City Market — even though the region's outdoor growing season has just barely begun.

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...

TOMATO PLANTS l Bob Zeni, aka Chicago Tomato Man, sells an amazing variety of tomato starters. Buy now - his pickup slots are going fast...

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

FOOD NON-PROFITS l To mark its 4th birthday, Local Food Forum will share proceeds from its subscription drive with nonprofit Farmers Rising

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