If you‘re into locally grown food, southern Wisconsin is a great place to be. With farmers’ markets every day of the week, pick-your-own farms, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms, and grocery stores and restaurants that offer local fare, the only trick is to find them all.

And that’s really no trick, thanks to the newly released seventh edition of the Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas, a free, 40-page listing of more than 150 farms, farmers’ markets and other places that sell fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, milk, eggs and other locally grown eats.

As of April 19, the 2008 Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas will be available at the Dane County Farmers’ Market information booth at the top of State Street, as well as other farmers’ markets, public libraries, farms, food co-ops and other area businesses.

A complete list of distribution sites and an online version of the atlas is available at www.reapfoodgroup.org.

“With rising fuel costs and worries about climate change, more and more people want to eat good food grown close to home,” said Judy Hageman, who grows winter spinach, flowers, tomatoes and other vegetables at Snug Haven Farm near Belleville. “Whether you‘re looking for quality ingredients for home-cooked meals or a great restaurant offering local food, you can find it in the Farm Fresh Atlas.”

Each vendor listed in the atlas pledges to protect land and water resources, treat animals with care and respect and provide safe working conditions for their employees.

The 2008 Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas is a collaborative project of the REAP Food Group, the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems and the Friends of the Dane County Farmers’ Market. It is underwritten by Heartland Credit Union, with major financial support provided by local businesses and organizations.

If you are interested in distributing copies of the 2008 Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas, or would like more information about this resource, please contact Miriam Grunes at (608) 294-1114.

For more information contact Cris Carusi at (608) 262-8018