by Agricultural Research StaffFood prices are on the rise, increasing .7% in January and .8% in February with no end in sight as midwestern acreage continues to be planted in corn for ethanol production. Higher fuel and overall energy costs are also reflected in higher food costs as most food is grown far from its point of use.Now that we’ve passed the Spring equinox in the United States, it is time to seriously consider planting a garden if you don’t grow one already.Growing a garden is one of the easiest things you can do to stretch the family food budget, especially if high-calorie foods like potatoes are grown.You don’t need a lot of land to grow a lot of food. Square Foot gardening, Mini Farming and Grow Biointensive methods will let you harvest a lot of food from a small area, usually without the use of rototillers or other expensive gear.EAU agricultural research volunteers currently run two small farms using a variety of intensive agricultural methods, and report positive economic impact that will more than offset the expected rise in food prices.Growing a portion of your own food is a great activity for kids, healthy exercise for adults, and increases self-sufficiency. As fuel prices continue an upward trend, re-localization of agriculture will become increasingly important, and the easiest way to reduce the affect fuel will have on your food prices is to grow your own.