Students at the University will start a local organic farm this summer as part of the Just.Food organization, which is trying to bring awareness to grassroots organic farming movements, and bring more organic food to the University.

Organic farming refers to agricultural systems that rely on developing biological diversity that deters pest organisms rather than using synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, according to the Organic Farming Research Foundation. Organic farming also focuses on the maintenance and replenishment of soil fertility to protect the environment, and to preserve the land for future use, according to the foundation.

Illinois is currently home to 152 certified organic farms according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service.

Rebecca Russell, junior in ACES, is the leader of Just.Food. She said the group hopes to get people to start thinking about what they eat and where their food comes from.

The organic farm will be located at Race Street and Windsor Road in Urbana, and volunteers will begin growing crops this summer.

Russell said the goal of the project is to eventually work with local organic farms in an attempt to introduce local, organic produce in the University dining halls.

Becky Roach, teaching assistant in Food Science and Human Nutrition, said that research is currently being done to see what, if any, nutritional benefits organically grown foods hold.

Early results show that organically grown produce may contain higher proportions of phytochemicals that protect against certain diseases. Roach also said that organically grown food might have higher level of vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants, which are thought to prevent certain types of cancer.

However, Roach said it is important for people to understand that “organic” is not necessarily the solution to the world’s food problem. She said purchasing locally grown food should be emphasized, even if it is not certified organic.

Michel Smoorenburg is the produce manager for the Common Ground Food Co-op, 610 E. Springfield Ave. The co-op is a non-profit grocery store, specializing in local and organic foods. Shoppers purchase a one-time refundable equity share of the co-op, and in exchange, they can shop normally or work any number of hours a week, for discounts on groceries.

Smoorenburg said the co-op stocks 99 percent certified organic, locally grown produce. He also emphasized the importance of purchasing locally grown food.

“I’m very open for local whatever,” Smoorenburg said. “As the produce manager, it’s important to me that I can see it, feel it, smell it when I purchase it. You don’t get that when it’s grown far away.”

Smoorenburg said purchasing from local growers, like Blue Moon Farm in Urbana, one of the co-op’s sources, helps build a close working relationship between the grower and the co-op. He said he feels more confident he is providing shoppers with the best possible product because he can purchase directly from the grower. In addition, growers receive a higher price when they sell their goods locally.

Just.Food plans to start the farm in Urbana this summer. The organization emphasizes the importance of local support.