On-Farm Compost will be led by Grant Estrade at Local Cooling Farms in Bogalusa, LA with Taylor Lyons of WormLadyRecycles.
Grant will offer an overview of his compost and vermi-compost systems, including:
<ul>
<li>The benefits of each model</li>
<li>Factors to consider when choosing a compost method: weed seeds, disease, contamination, etc</li>
<li>Feedstock logistics and material handling</li>
<li>A live compost building demonstration</li>
</ul>
Lunch will be provided!
Learn more and register <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/louisiana-craft-on-farm-compost-tickets-1374986765429?aff=oddtdtcreator">here</a>.

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Southeast

Louisiana CRAFT: On-Farm Compost

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/56f04b17-0af2-4226-85ec-9595ea8ed73e@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

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SE TOPP Organic Office Hours

This event is for farmers and growers interested in practical composting techniques and BMPs for creating nutritious compost. We will go over various composting methods, create a couple different types of compost piles, and demonstrate methods of compost application.
Come get your hands dirty and experience compost in this immersive workshop. Stick around after the workshop for dinner and live music. Registration is free but limited to 25 people.

CRAFT: Composting Essentials for Farmers and Homesteaders

Join Mississippi State University Extension for the Beaumont Horticultural Unit Field Day on June 5th!
The program will include discussions on vegetable, small fruit, floriculture, and organic production and cultural practices.
No registration is required.
Contact: Dr. Christine Coker Christine.coker@msstate.edu or Mike Ely 601-788-6616 for more information.

Beaumont Horticultural Unit Field Day

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e0b0ec1f-abfc-4648-b88a-d87bf1fbfa62@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join us on the farm for a day of hands-on learning and farmer-to-farmer connection!
In addition to a tour of the farm, and learning about our Farmer in Training program we’ll explore two research projects we’re excited to be a part of:
Organic Seed Production &amp; Research (OSPREY) 
Learn about this national project, led by the Organic Seed Alliance, focused on overcoming key barriers in the organic seed industry—like the lack of reliable yield data and production protocols. We’ll also dive into seed saving and storage techniques you can take back to your farm.
Regenerative Farming 
Learn about hands-on conservation strategies that boost soil health and strengthen crop resilience—plus, a live demo of reduced-till equipment in action.
Come ready to learn, share, and leave with tools to build a more resilient farm!
Speakers: 
Dylan Alexander, Lomax Farm Manager, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association 
Dr. Biswanath Dari, Assistant Professor &amp; Natural Resources Specialist, NC A&amp;T 
Joe Rowland, Organic Initiatives Coordinator, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association 
Payton Berry, Horticulture Extension Agent, NCSU Cooperative Extension

Lomax Field Day

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7d097195-0922-4b06-9490-404c00c1dd5e@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join us for the last session of the “Organic Markets for Grain Farmers” series. This upcoming advisor call is designed as a follow-up to the last two previous webinars on Markets ROI and Buyer Perspectives on Organic Grain Markets. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the earlier sessions to engage in a deeper discussion about these topics with farmers, buyers, and economic experts who were featured in previous webinars. This advisor call is an open forum for you to ask any questions you have related to organic grain markets. This call may also include a walkthrough of organic clearinghouses, including how to effectively utilize these resources for your business. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and ask questions about the organic grain market.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/ask-me-anything-organic-markets-for-grain-farmers/">Register here to attend</a>.

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National

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Northeast/Mid-Atlantic

Northwest-Logo-White

Northwest

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Plains

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West/Southwest

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Midwest

Ask me Anything – Organic Markets for Grain Farmers

Intro to Small Engine Repair &amp; Maintenance workshop will be led by Jennie Lallande and Aaron Ellinger at their Abbeville, LA home (aka Acadiana Growers Alliance Machine Shop and Repair Center)
Jennie is a founder and the current director of Acadiana Growers Alliance and has worked for the last 12 years creating community gardens and residential food production spaces, with a focus on resource conservation and budget-friendly practices.
Aaron is a pipeline construction specialist who has turned wrenches for fun and purpose since he was a young boy, when he built his first snowmobile from salvage parts in the woods of Wisconsin.
Jennie and Aaron are guided by principles of permaculture and lean farming, and are passionate about landfill diversion and sensible resource management. Together, they are caretakers of a 1 acre demonstration farm in Iberia Parish that produces medicinal plants, perennial fruits, and seasonal vegetables for market, and a 4 acre homestead in Vermilion Parish where they raise small livestock and food for home use. Jennie and Aaron believe in the power of knowledge sharing, and regularly coach others to repair consumer goods, machinery and automobiles.
Typical small engine equipment that will be covered in this workshop: lawn mowers, weed eaters, wood chippers, small tractors, chain and pole saws, augers, tillers, pumps, pressure washers.
Objectives
• Gain basic understanding of hazards in repair and operation of small engine equipment
•Identify proper PPE for task and equipment
•Gain basic understanding in the functioning of a 2-stroke VS 4-stroke engine and be able to identify
•Maintenance
•Troubleshoot a malfunctioning engine
•Barnyard methods in lieu of testing equipment
•Cost saving practices
•Planned obsolescence
Questions? Email Maggie at Sprout: maggie@sproutnola.org.
CRAFT stands for the Collaborative Regional Alliance of Farmer Training and is a method used nation-wide to build community and knowledge among farmers. CRAFT is a farmer-led coalition organized by sustainable agricultural producers in a self-selected geographic region to meet regional needs. Based on the idea that farmers learn best from other farmers, CRAFT provides farmer-to-farmer learning opportunities and grows connections among our farmer social networks. Using this model in Louisiana will empower farmers and provide mutual support as we expand sustainable agriculture in our state. Louisiana CRAFT is supported by Sprout, Intertribal Agriculture Council, the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Louisiana CRAFT: Intro to Small Engine Repair & Maintenance

Come and demystify the information you receive from your soil tests! Have you ever looked at a soil test and not known what to do with the information? Have you ever wondered what the ideal levels are of the different minerals components of your soil? Have you heard about pH and known that it should be in the 6.5 range but didn’t know that there are 4 elements that affect pH, not just calcium? This session is designed to help farmers and gardeners read and make decisions about remineralizing their soils with confidence so bring your own soil test to follow along. Remineralizing our soils is the foundation for good agronomy, soil health, and nutrient dense food. Reading a soil test seems convoluted but it is in fact easy to do and once you are able you will always know exactly what minerals your soils need. This is a truly empowering skill!

How to Read a Soil Test

&nbsp;
Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) is hosting Latino high school youth for an education and career exploration day in fields related to sustainable, organic and regenerative agriculture on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 9 am &#8211; 3 pm, at the Pittsboro Campus and Student Farm (764 West St, Pittsboro, NC 27312). Join us to learn about sustainable agriculture programs at local community colleges, state universities and about internship and apprenticeship opportunities. Want to hear directly from people who work in these career fields? We have a great line-up of guest speakers who will be sharing about their work as sustainable farmers, soil conservationist, cooperative extension agents, trainers, educators, farmworker and farmer advocates and more!
&nbsp;
El Colegio Comunitario de Carolina Central (CCCC) invita a jóvenes latinos de secundaria a un día de educación y exploración profesional en campos relacionados con la agricultura sostenible, orgánica y regenerativa el viernes 16 de mayo de 2025, de 9 a. m. a 3 p. m., en el campus de Pittsboro y la granja estudiantil (764 West St, Pittsboro, NC 27312). Únete a nosotros para conocer los programas de agricultura sostenible en los colegios comunitarios locales, las universidades estatales y las oportunidades de prácticas y aprendizaje. ¿Quieres escuchar directamente a las personas que trabajan en estos campos profesionales? Tenemos una gran lista de ponentes invitados que compartirán su trabajo como agricultores sostenibles, conservacionistas del suelo, agentes de extensión cooperativa, formadores, educadores, defensores de los trabajadores agrícolas y agricultores, ¡y mucho más!

SE TOPP Youth Outreach Event: Nuestra Herencia Verde – Building a Legacy in Organic and Sustainable Farming

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b15ae0bc-7b81-43d0-9066-a4c2e3ebd7a7@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

<h4 style="text-align: left;">Are you a small-scale farmer looking to learn more about organic practices?</h4>
Join us for the Organic Growers Seminar! Rodale Institute is partnering with the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture to host this event. The seminar is designed to educate small-scale farmers on organic farming practices and the resources available to support them. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical knowledge from industry experts and organizations to help enhance their organic practices.
The seminar is aimed at both current and transitioning small-scale organic growers. A variety of speakers will cover topics on organic farming practices and resources specifically tailored to small-scale growers. The event is free of charge, and lunch will be provided. Registration is required for attendance, with a cap of 60 participants. Door prizes will be available. This event is supported by USDA SE TOPP.
Date: May 14th, 2025 
Time: 9:00 AM &#8211; 3:00 PM 
Location: Center for Urban Agriculture 
1109 Experiment Street, Room 101, Griffin, GA 30223 
Cost: Free
<h3>Schedule</h3>
9:00 – 9:10 AM: Welcome &#8211; De’Anthony Price / Dr. Bethany Harris 
9:10-9:55 AM: Exploring Organic: Considerations, Transitions, and Support &#8211; DeAnthony Price, Rodale Institute 
9:55 &#8211; 10:40 AM: Introduction to Ecological Farming &#8211; Dr. Bethany Harris and Whitney Ottinger, UGA Center of Urban Agriculture 
10:40 &#8211; 10:55 AM: Break 
10:55 &#8211; 11:40 AM: Organic Weed Management &#8211; Bob Westerfield, UGA Extension 
11:40 &#8211; 12:25 PM: Compost Basics/ Composting Programs &#8211; U.S. Composting Council 
12:25 &#8211; 1:15 PM: Lunch 
1:15 &#8211; 2:00 PM: NRCS Organic Conservation Programs &#8211; Elise Nowack, Oregon Tilth 
2:00-2:45 PM: Georgia Organics Resources &#8211; Lydia Hu, Georgia Organics 
2:45 PM: Closing
<a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/organic-growers-seminar/">Register here to attend</a>.

Organic Growers Seminar: Educating Small-Scale Farmers on Organic Practices and Resources

Join us for an engaging follow-up to the previous webinar, “Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Grain Farmers,” where we dive deeper into the perspectives of buyers in the organic grain market. Attendees will gather insights from multiple buyers across the U.S. on their sourcing needs, learn about key factors that influence buyer decisions, and learn how to build strong, collaborative relationships with buyers. This conversation is designed specifically for farmers looking to understand the current landscape and future opportunities in organic grain markets.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-buyer-perspectives-on-organic-grain-sourcing/">Register here to attend</a>.

Webinar: Buyer Perspectives on Organic Grain Sourcing

<div>Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) Sustainable Agriculture Program is hosting an information session with students and alumni focused on SE TOPP&#8217;s priorities and work. This event is open to the public, no need to register just stop on by!</div>
<div>Agenda:</div>
<div>11:00 &#8211; 11:30 am &#8211; SE TOPP overview, CCCC&#8217;s SE TOPP priorities/work</div>
<div>11:30 &#8211; 11:45 am &#8211; survey attendees for feedback on certified organic systems 
</div>
<div>12:00 &#8211; 1:00 pm &#8211; lunch at the Student Farm </div>
<div></div>
<div>Location: CCCC Pittsboro Campus, 764 West St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Lucier Hall</div>
<div></div>
<div>Questions? Contact Angie Oliva aoliva941@cccc.edu</div>
<div></div>

SE TOPP Introduction and Q&A at Central Carolina Community College

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c287ce17-bf09-4616-a171-e2e1f30aed1c@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Are you considering the transition to organic farming for your grain farm and or interested in improving the return on investment for your organic farm through markets? Join us for an insightful virtual webinar designed to help you understand the economic potential of organic markets and equip you with the tools to evaluate your own transition. Attendees will get an overview of the organic market landscape and its growth potential from economic experts and learn from farmers who successfully transitioned to organic grain production..
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-markets-roi-of-organic-transition-for-grain-farmers/">Register here to attend</a>.

Webinar: Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Grain Farmers

Transitioning to Certified Organic CRAFT and Farm to Table Lunch will feature an impressive lineup of speakers traveling in from Washington, D.C., Georgia, Mississippi, and across Alabama. Together, we are bringing growers, industry leaders, and consumers into one space for a meaningful exchange of information, opportunity, and inspiration. Speakers include Stephanie Jerger (Organic Trade Association), Greg Smith (Smith’s Farm &amp; Ranch), Sedrick Rowe (Owner of GA Organic Farm &amp; Tuskegee University Student), Tony Jones (MS Specialty Crop Alliance), and James Childs Sr. (AL Farmer growing Organically).
Learn more and register <a href="https://asanonline.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&amp;id=54">here</a>.

Transitioning to Certified Organic Flier

CRAFT: Transitioning to Certified Organic

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/50b5e603-0804-4a80-b3ac-bac8a33a3c5b@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join us for a live conservation with Lindsey Mann, owner of <a href="https://www.stellarrootsherbs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stellar Roots Herb Farm</a> in Tiger, Georgia, as she shares her journey of becoming an organic herb farmer in North Georgia. With years of experience in landscape design and organic farming, Lindsey will discuss the challenges and processes involved in starting an organic herb farm and navigating the organic certification process. This webinar is designed for current and transitioning organic farmers. Gain real-world insights into organic farming systems, certification, and the practical obstacles farmers face. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive valuable guidance for their own farming journey. Don’t miss this chance to learn from experienced peers!
<a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-from-seed-to-certification-navigating-the-journey-of-organic-herb-farming/">Register here to attend</a>.

Webinar: From Seed to Certification—Navigating the Journey of Organic Herb Farming

With nearly five decades of experience combined working at the Southern University Agricultural Research and Exxtension Center (SUAREC), Stephanie Elwood and Milagro Berhane have dedicated their careers to promoting and practicing sustainable agriculture in Louisiana. Together they co-authored the &#8220;Ethnic Vegetable Planting Guide&#8221; and during this session, they will dive into the various ethnic vegetables that can thrive in Louisiana&#8217;s sub-tropical planting zone, including Hibiscus roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Molokhia (corchorus olitorius), Sweet Potato greens (lpomoea batatas), Amaranth (Amaranthus), and many other vegetables, fruits, and herbs grown around the world.
This session will be recorded and made available online.

Changing Crops Honoring Origins_Sprout

Changing Crops, Honoring Origins

Join indigenous land stewards Nicholas Rajen and Angie Comeaux for a dive into Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and what that means for the communities and land they’re a part of and tend. TEK is often seen as a valuable resource for understanding and addressing environmental challenges.

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Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/936c689b-031b-43c5-8030-5ffec11bf342@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join us for the last session of the “Organic Markets for Dairy Farmers” series. This upcoming advisor call is designed as a follow-up to the last two previous webinars on Markets ROI and Buyer Perspectives on Organic Dairy Markets. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the earlier sessions to engage in a deeper discussion about these topics with farmers, buyers, and economic experts who were featured in previous webinars. This advisor call is an open forum for you to ask any questions you have related to organic dairy markets. This call may also include a walkthrough of organic clearinghouses, including how to effectively utilize these resources for your business. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and ask questions about the organic dairy market.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/ask-me-anything-organic-markets-for-dairy-farmers/">Register here to attend</a>.

Ask me Anything – Organic Markets for Dairy Farmers

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1de060fa-9042-4023-80b4-3157bf4cea9d@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join us for an engaging follow-up to the previous webinar, “Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Dairy Farmers,” where we dive deeper into the perspectives of buyers in the organic dairy market. Attendees will gather insights from multiple buyers across the U.S. on their sourcing needs, learn about key factors that influence buyer decisions, and learn how to build strong, collaborative relationships with buyers. This conversation is designed specifically for farmers looking to understand the current landscape and future opportunities in organic dairy markets.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-buyer-perspectives-on-organic-dairy-sourcing/">Register here to attend</a>.

Webinar: Buyer Perspectives on Organic Dairy Sourcing

The Georgia Heirs Property Law Center and Team Agriculture Georgia are hosting an in-person workshop for farmers and landowners. This event will provide valuable information and resources to those just embarking on their journey as farmers and timber managers, as well as to seasoned agricultural professionals and landowners.
Register for this free workshop here: <a href="https://www.teamagriculturega.org/events/2025/tag-spring-symposium">https://www.teamagriculturega.org/events/2025/tag-spring-symposium</a>

2025.04.11 GA event

Spring Symposium for Farmers and Landowners

The Blackbelt Meat Summit is hosted by the Tuskegee University Meat &amp; Poultry Technical Assistance Program, dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses in the meat and poultry industry. This summit serves as a vital platform for education, networking, and showcasing innovative practices within the field.
<h4>Organic Certification Opens Market Opportunities for Processors</h4>
What are the opportunities for organic meat, and what do farmers and processors need to do to meet that demand? This session will provide practical insights and strategies for processors to compete in the organic marketplace.
This session will be led by Dave Carter, a regional director of technical assistance at the Flower Hill Institute, an indigenous-led nonprofit organization coordinating the technical assistance network USDA’s Agricultural Marketing. Dave has an extensive background in organic and natural food marketing, cooperative development, meat processing, tribal food sovereignty, cooperative development, and regenerative agriculture.
<a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/organic-livestock-market-opportunities/#popmake-37327">Attend for FREE with our promo code</a>.

Organic Livestock Market Opportunities

Are you considering the transition to organic farming for your dairy farm and or interested in improving the return on investment for your organic farm through markets? Join us for an insightful virtual webinar designed to help you understand the economic potential of organic markets and equip you with the tools to evaluate your own transition. Attendees will get an overview of the organic market landscape and its growth potential from economic experts and learn from farmers who successfully transitioned to organic dairy production.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-markets-roi-of-organic-transition-for-dairy-farmers/">Register here to attend</a>.
<h3>Panelists:</h3>
Moderator: Taylor Ussery  
Taylor Ussery helped run a small producer-processor dairy in central North Carolina for over seven years. During this time, she created new gelato and soft serve product lines that were sold into direct-to-consumer, retail, and foodservice markets. She now works for a national foodservice distribution company where she helps farmers and artisans understand and access larger institutional markets. Taylor still engages her passion for dairy by sourcing local milk for her soft serve ice cream catering company and eating copious amounts of local cheese and fluid whole milk.
Panelist: Chris Wilson 
Chris Wilson is a seventh-generation farmer at Wilson Organic Farms in Cuba City, Wisconsin, where he and his family have been farming organically since 1996. With decades of experience in organic dairy and diversified cropping systems, Chris’s family has been at the forefront of integrating organic no-till, rotational grazing, and cover cropping to build resilient farm ecosystems. Beyond the farm, Chris serves on the Meat Executive Committee for CROPP Cooperative (Organic Valley) and actively collaborates with research institutions to advance regenerative agricultural solutions. His work bridges practical on-farm management with broader industry efforts to improve soil health, nutrient efficiency, and livestock integration within organic systems.
<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Panelist: Painterland Sisters </div>
<div>Sisters Stephanie and Hayley Painter, Founders and co-CEOs of Painterland Sisters, grew up on their family’s fourth-generation regenerative organic dairy farm in Northern Pennsylvania. Using milk from their own farm and neighboring family farms, they’re on a mission to sustain family farms, champion nutrient-dense foods, and educate consumers on the importance of sustainable farming—while connecting them directly to the source: the American Farmer.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Since launching in 2022, they were named Forbes 30 Under 30 in Food &amp; Drink, honored on the Congress Floor, won a Nexty Award for their 24 oz Plain yogurt, and spoke at over 60 events, proudly representing Pennsylvania agriculture and amplifying the voices of farmers worldwide.</div>

Webinar: Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Dairy Farmers

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a744353f-214d-4019-aa58-2e81eaf4478a@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join us for the last session of the “Organic Markets for Livestock Farmers” series. This upcoming advisor call is designed as a follow-up to the last two previous webinars on Markets ROI and Buyer Perspectives on Organic Livestock Markets. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the earlier sessions to engage in a deeper discussion about these topics with farmers, buyers, and economic experts who were featured in previous webinars. This advisor call is an open forum for you to ask any questions you have related to organic livestock markets. This call may also include a walkthrough of organic clearinghouses, including how to effectively utilize these resources for your business. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and ask questions about the organic livestock market.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/ask-me-anything-organic-markets-for-livestock-farmers/">Register here to attend</a>.

Ask me Anything – Organic Markets for Livestock Farmers

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3ac65931-7413-4497-9c75-40e25a3162c4@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join us for an engaging follow-up to the previous webinar, “Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Livestock Farmers,” where we dive deeper into the perspectives of buyers in the organic livestock market. Attendees will gather insights from multiple buyers across the U.S. on their sourcing needs, learn about key factors that influence buyer decisions, and learn how to build strong, collaborative relationships with buyers. This conversation is designed specifically for farmers looking to understand the current landscape and future opportunities in organic livestock markets.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-buyer-perspectives-on-livestock/">Register here to attend</a>.

Webinar: Buyer Perspectives on Livestock

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ab8c4171-114e-4fef-950e-82dc919a9a06@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Are you considering the transition to organic farming for your livestock farm and or interested in improving the return on investment for your organic farm through markets? Join us for an insightful virtual webinar designed to help you understand the economic potential of organic markets and equip you with the tools to evaluate your own transition. Attendees will get an overview of the organic market landscape and its growth potential from economic experts and learn.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-markets-roi-of-organic-transition-for-livestock-farmers/">Register here to attend</a>.

Webinar: Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Livestock Farmers

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a6daae25-dca6-43ff-bdeb-0f45ec3cfbb1@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

This 2025 Organic Commodities &amp; Livestock Conference centers on certified organic commodities, commercial-scale specialty crops, and pasture-based livestock. The morning consists of a market development workshop, with a panel discussion on organic market outlooks from industry experts, followed by producer-led breakout sessions, and a grower-buyer networking event.
Dr. Heather Darby of the University of Vermont will deliver a plenary during lunch on bridging the gap between organic research and the needs of organic farmers.
The afternoon includes breakout sessions focused on decision making-tools for soil health, financial incentives for conservation practices, and addressing challenges in organic production.
Learn more and register <a href="https://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/organic-commodities-and-livestock-conference/">here</a>.

2025 Organic Commodities & Livestock Conference

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/183bc5ec-2635-4ede-b89e-cc6c6caa40c9@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

<div data-olk-copy-source="MailCompose">On February 20th, from 1:00 &#8211; 2:30pm (ET), discover what it takes to achieve organic certification in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Hear directly from a panel of experienced farmers as they share their motivations and offer practical tips for those interested in transitioning to organic practices. The event is hosted by Florida Organic Growers, University of Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Farmers Alliance.</div>
<div data-olk-copy-source="MailCompose"></div>
<div>Register for free here: <a id="OWA53691fb2-e730-dc9a-e142-f3fcba2de5e8" class="OWAAutoLink" href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aP8s3cdOQj68EnF6Ecn-Zg">https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aP8s3cdOQj68EnF6Ecn-Zg</a></div>
<div></div>
<div>Questions? Contact <a id="OWA19c8d65e-55b3-936d-e9c3-2c4953852498" class="OWAAutoLink" href="mailto:SETOPP@foginfo.org">SETOPP@foginfo.org</a></div>
<div></div>
<div>This event is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).</div>

Webinar Flier QR – 2.20.2025

Organic Farming and Certification Considerations for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Farmers

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/37d709b6-16f1-416d-99c2-c4c0a6d46b1f@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join us for an engaging follow-up to the previous webinar, “Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Vegetable Farmers,” where we dive deeper into the perspectives of buyers in the organic vegetable market. Attendees will gather insights from multiple buyers across the U.S. on their sourcing needs, learn about key factors that influence buyer decisions, and learn how to build strong, collaborative relationships with buyers. This conversation is designed specifically for farmers looking to understand the current landscape and future opportunities in organic vegetable markets.
The panel will be moderated by David Paysnick and will feature Whitney Herrera, Kenny Meyer and Alex Borst.
David Paysnick: David is the Food Hub Business Development Manager at Food Connects, a 501c3 non-profit based in Southern Vermont. He joined Food Connects in 2020 with 25+ years of experience in food and farming-related occupations and has helped the Food Connects Food Hub grow annual sales from $1.1 Million in 2020 to $3.9 million ins 2024. Prior to working at Food Connects, David operated Rainbow Harvest Farm in Greenfield, MA, producing organic vegetables, herbs, nursery plants, fig trees and specialty food products. He was the founding farmer at the non-profit Greenfield Community Farm, where he led the farm through its initial years of development and production. David also spent nearly a decade working in retail food co-ops in both California and Massachusetts, primarily as Produce Manager and Buyer, as well as serving as Board President for a multi-store Food Co-op in Western Massachusetts. In his earlier days, he also worked as a wholesale baker, chef, and held several other restaurants, farm and food positions. David now lives with his wife and daughter in Greenfield, MA where they grow organic flowers and vegetables for personal enjoyment and sell occasional fig tree cuttings from their extensive greenhouse collection.
Whitney Herrera: Whitney has worked at Whole Foods Market for over 15 years — starting in Reno, NV Whole Foods store as a cashier. During her time with Whole Foods, she has been a part of Global Operations helping stand up a Global Reset program for store team members and has been in Category Management for the past 6 years. Before managing Functional Snacks, she managed Cereals, Nut Butters, Jams, Wholesome Bars and Shelf Stable Milks. Outside of work, Whitney works to bring her passion for food and regenerative farming practices to her small-scale suburban garden.
Kenny Meyer: Kenny is a Senior Produce &amp; Floral Buyer with Whole Foods Markets Perishables Merchandising Team. His primary role is strategic partnerships with Local and Regional Farms across Whole Foods Markets network of suppliers.
Alex Borst: Alex is the Purchasing Manager at Happy Dirt. He is a grandson of immigrant dairy farmers and grew up in Mississippi seeing how difficult of a time farmers have in getting their products to market. He has spent his career trying to solve problems that exist in moving produce from economically challenged rural areas into more heavily populated urban areas. Alex has over 8 years of experience in produce procurement in both the non-profit and for-profit spaces. Happy Dirt is a certified organic produce distribution company that brings fresh produce to market from farms across the Southeast and East Coast. Alex manages vendor relationships and produce production planning to build local and regional programs for retailers and food service providers from Florida to New York. In his free time, Alex practices yoga, spends too much time cooking and frequents electronic music venues.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-buyer-perspectives-on-organic-vegetable-sourcing/">Register here to attend</a>.

Webinar: Buyer Perspectives on Organic Vegetable Sourcing

Are you considering the transition to organic farming for your diversified vegetable farm and or interested in improving the return on investment for your organic farm through markets? Join us for an insightful virtual webinar designed to help you understand the economic potential of organic markets and equip you with the tools to evaluate your own transition. This webinar will be moderated by Roshell Rosales Aguilar, Farm and Agribusiness Management Regional Extension Agent for NW Alabama through Auburn University. Attendees will get an overview of the organic market landscape and its growth potential from economic expert and Professor of Food Studies at NYU, Carolyn Dimitri, and learn from farmers Reggie Ramos, from Grow with the Flow and Emma Jagoz, from Moon Valley Farm, who successfully transitioned to organic vegetable production.
All sessions are free of charge to attendees. <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/weibinar-markets-roi-of-organic-transition-for-vegetable-farmers/">Register here to attend</a>.

Webinar: Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Vegetable Farmers

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/252bcf8d-e246-41af-941c-be8fa475a164@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/23deeb96-9822-45a9-a881-5c8ab6134425@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

<h3>Southeast Organic Buyer/Seller Mixer</h3>
<h4>At Georgia Organics’ SOWTH Conference</h4>
Take part in this mixer focused on fostering relationships between farmers and organic buyers. Farmers and organic buyers will have the chance to connect through some facilitated conversations about organic markets opportunities, particularly for organic vegetable and fruit markets. Refreshments and food will be provided. This event is especially designed for organic buyers, organic farmers, those transitioning, and those who are curious about organic production.
In addition to networking, we will also present the Farmer Champion awards for Higher Education and Early Care and Education. The Farmer Champion program works with The Common Market Southeast and Quality Care for Children to verify local food purchases for higher education institutions and early care and education centers, respectively. Georgia Organics and the Common Market Southeast work together on expanding local food in higher education institutions through The ACRE Collective: Advancing Agriculture, Community, Resilience &amp; Equity through Values-Based Procurement. The ACRE Collective centers on garnering food purchasing commitments from Atlanta-area anchor institutions, while shifting procurement to producers that share these institutions’ values. Georgia Organics and Quality Care for Children have awarded approximately twenty early care and education centers across the state since expanding the Farmer Champion program in 2022. We are excited to honor four higher education institutions in the Atlanta-area and seven early care and education centers across Georgia that are committed to sourcing local food and working with growers across Georgia.
<hr />
Learn More About the Farmer Champion Program: The Farmer Champion Program at Georgia Organics was launched in 2019 and works to bring local farmers and the food service community together to increase sustainable and organic purchasing. This happens by connecting eaters to businesses that source responsibly, so our local food system’s diverse patchwork of small and organic farms will grow and thrive. The Farmer Champion program helps to raise awareness about local sourcing by highlighting various members of the food service community who prioritize sourcing local food and relationships with Georgia’s vibrant community of food producers.  These relationships between farmers, food producers, and the food service community help to continue to grow and strengthen Georgia’s good resilient food system.
Please note: Although this event is associated with SOWTH, you do not have to be an attendee of SOWTH to attend this event. However, if you are planning on attending SOWTH, you should definitely come and help us kick off a great regional conference!
<h4>Agenda</h4>
<ul>
<li>6-6:45pm – Arrival, informal networking, refreshments</li>
<li>6:45-7:15pm – Welcome and awards ceremonies</li>
<li>7:15-9pm – Facilitated networking</li>
</ul>
<h4>To attend this event, please register today at: <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/southeast-organic-buyer-seller-mixer/">https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/southeast-organic-buyer-seller-mixer/</a></h4>

Southeast Organic Buyer/Seller Mixer

The SOWTH Conference is a three-day gathering of over 1,000 producers and leaders committed to sowing a strong sustainable agricultural movement across the South. The event takes place February 4th &#8211; 6th., 2025 in Atlanta Georgia.
Information about the Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (SE TOPP) will be available at Florida Organic Growers&#8217; exhibitor booth.
Learn more about the event <a href="https://sowth.org/">here</a>.

SOWTH

SOWTH Conference

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/06a6cb89-b969-4433-b318-f694aeaaab09@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1babc9ef-5849-4cc2-a35e-426445e7b2a7@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

The Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network (ASAN) is excited to host the 2025 Food &amp; Farm Forum at the beautiful Camp McDowell from January 23-25, 2025! This annual event brings together farmers, food advocates, educators, and community leaders to share knowledge, build networks, and work toward a more sustainable, just, and thriving food system in Alabama.
The Forum is a dynamic, hands-on event featuring workshops, panels, and discussions on topics such as sustainable agriculture practices, food access, farm business management, soil health, policy advocacy, and much more. With a focus on community-building and collaboration, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from and connect with experts and peers across Alabama’s sustainable farming and food sectors.
This annual event serves as a vital gathering for farmers, educators, advocates, and community leaders dedicated to sustainable agriculture and thriving food systems. This year’s event will feature workshops tailored to farmers of all experience levels, community organizers, educators, and more, all while fostering meaningful relationships in a beautiful natural setting.
The 2025 ASAN Food &amp; Farm Forum is free to attend; and meals will be provided at no cost.
Learn more and register<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-asan-food-farm-forum-tickets-1021298470217"> here</a>.

FNF Forum poster-800×1229

2025 ASAN Food & Farm Forum

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d3594c6d-5dca-4e39-95ab-7d13af4d18a4@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 4 to 5pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/865a451d-d173-43d5-ae21-9b5d38f0b12d@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

The Georgia Organic Peanut Association will host a brief webinar to provide an update on Certified Organic peanut production and the development of the Certified Organic peanut industry in Georgia. This event will be relevant to Certified Organic farmers, farmers interested in Certified Organic production, agricultural service providers, and handlers of farm products in the state and the Southeast.
Join the webinar on Zoom by clicking <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89036508545">here</a>. Registration is not required.

TOPP Certified Organic Peanuts Update Webinar

Update on Certified Organic Peanut Production in Georgia: Information for Farmers and Farm-Service Providers

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/5dcb9070-e4cf-42d1-8eeb-a641545bb887@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1d7ebe91-6595-4e1e-b49c-5fc76dec4bcb@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Mississippi State University Extension for a two-day event focused on the business and production aspects of specialty crops!
Day 1 will cover essential topics such as financial planning and credit access, marketing strategies, social media advertising, market channel selection, food safety compliance, and labor management, including the H2-A guest worker program.
Day 2 will delve into organic agriculture, fruit and vegetable crop production, and the cultivation of cut flowers and ornamental horticulture.
This conference provides a unique opportunity to learn from fellow producers, share experiences, and build valuable networks. Best of all, registration is free, and meals are included.
*** Deadline to register: Monday, December 2nd. <a href="https://reg.extension.msstate.edu/s_reg/reg_registration_maintenance.aspx?ek=0081-0004-e80025a8a1424d428c1eadadfd341e0d">Register here.</a>
Day 1: Thursday, December 12th 
10:00 – 4:30pm
&#8211; Navigating market outlets opportunities and key marketing considerations 
&#8211; Deciphering regulatory, labeling, and food safety requirements to sell in new markets 
&#8211; Understanding programs and services offered by state agencies 
&#8211; Navigating loans, credit readiness, and loan programs 
&#8211; LUNCH 
&#8211; Strategic marketing for farm and food businesses 
&#8211; Harnessing online tools for social media marketing for farmers and food businesses 
&#8211; H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program
Day 2: Friday, December 13th 
7:30am – 4:00pm
&#8211; Continental Breakfast 
&#8211; Keynote Address: Specialty Crops and Production Options: What is Organic Certification and is it Right for my Farm 
&#8211; Fruit Crops Session 
&#8211; LUNCH 
&#8211; Vegetable Crop Production 
&#8211; Cut Flowers and Ornamental Horticulture

Specialty Crops Conference

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e3dbf42a-6014-44ab-8a83-d38b07d9dcb5@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/46572c4e-640e-4c73-95c8-9c44cfb49983@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c1da8127-86b3-4766-85d5-9c2064a4547d@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

&nbsp;
On November 8th, University of Puerto Rico will host the workshop “Sistemas Agroforestales y la Producción de Café Orgánico (Agroforestry Systems and Organic Coffee Production)” at the Student Center University of Puerto Rico- Utuado Campus.
This event agenda includes presentations on the history of the organic coffee farm at UPR-Utuado, organic management of coffee nurseries and agroforestry in organic coffee production. In addition, we will have a coffee tasting session and a visit to the UPR-Utuado coffee farm.
Learn more and register here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc73Oq7rcak_ywYLvU5Iq0q3UCGOolviekYGYFBsbHEZv7fhA/viewform">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc73Oq7rcak_ywYLvU5Iq0q3UCGOolviekYGYFBsbHEZv7fhA/viewform</a>
&nbsp;

Promo_UPRU_CE Flier

Agroforestry Systems and Organic Coffee Production

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8d2b55f5-de7c-4ee7-9af1-3663d24108ef@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Louisiana State University for a community gathering at the LSU Horticulture Hill Farm Teaching Facility with a farm tour and potluck.
Tour the Market Garden teaching garden, small-scale equipment and irrigation systems, postharvest sorting and storage facility, and organic box beds. Bring a dish if you are able, but it&#8217;s not required!
For more information about this event, contact Alisha at liatrisfarm@gmaiI.com.

Farmer Meet Up, Farm tour and Potluck!

The Alabama Regenerative Growers Conference is a one day gathering with classes, vendors, refreshments and lunch for ecological farmers &amp; gardeners, organic producers, and holistic thinkers. Speakers (farmers and university professionals) will discuss a range of agroecology topics for both commercial fruit &amp; vegetable producers and home gardeners. A pre-session farm tour of Jones Valley downtown site is available to a limited number of participants with pre-registration required.
Learn more and register <a href="https://secure.touchnet.net/C20021_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6278&amp;SINGLESTORE=true">here.</a>
The event is hosted by Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network, and Jones Valley Teaching Farm.
Sponsors from Dirtcraft Living Soils, CAWACO RC&amp;D, Southern SARE, Hiwassee Products, Seven Springs Farm Supply, Sweet Grown Alabama, and Johnny&#8217;s Seeds.
Contact hza0093@auburn.edu to inquire about participating as a vendor.
Florida Organic Growers and the Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program will be in attendance to answer questions and provide support.
This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP)

ARGC_flyer_2024.pdf

Alabama Regenerative Growers Conference

On November 1st, join Florida Organic Growers from 10am – 2pm for the informative workshop &#8220;Organic Research Innovations and Solutions for Florida Farmers&#8221; presented by Ben McLean III of McLean Family Farms. Learn about the benefits of organic farming and innovative research that that can be used on your farm. This workshop is designed for all levels of farmers to gain knowledge of a wide variety of practices and strategies that have been used for over 20 years by McLean Family Farms. Participants will also have a chance to participate in a tour led by Dr. Danielle Treadwell which will highlight current research being done at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU).
This is a free event! Registration is required.  
The workshop will be held on November 1st in person at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU) located at 2556 W. Hwy. 318 Citra, FL 32113. 
A light lunch will be provided.
Please be aware this is an on-farm event. It is recommended attendees wear closed-toed shoes and be prepared for outdoor weather, including bringing hats, sunglasses and water.
Questions? Contact Florida Organic Growers at <a title="mailto:SETOPP@foginfo.org" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/organic-research-innovations-and-solutions-for-florida-farmers-tickets-1037098508557?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">SETOPP@foginfo.org</a> or call 352-377-6345.
This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

FOG_ McLean Workshop – Nov 1 2024

Organic Research Innovations and Solutions for Florida Farmers

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/753f50c5-5e2d-4b24-9cff-52b31febba20@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Join us on October 28th, from 10 AM to 2 PM Eastern, for the &#8220;Fall into Soil Health: Field Walk&#8221; at Lolas Organic Farm in Glenwood, GA. This event is designed to educate new and transitioning farmers about organic technical assistance programs and effective soil health practices, with a special focus on cover crops in organic systems.</div>
<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></div>
<div>Led by Farmer and Owner Jennifer Taylor, participants will enjoy a guided tour of the farm, engage in discussions on soil heath practices, and learn about organic citrus management.</div>
<div></div>
<div>A Q&amp;A session with local experts will follow lunch, offering attendees the chance to ask questions about organic certification and assistance. Local experts from NRCS, UGA Extension, and the Rodale Institute will be available.</div>
<div></div>
<div>This field walk is ideal for both current and transitioning organic farmers. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Lunch will be provided.</div>

Fall into Soil Health: Field Walk

Farmers in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, join NCAT&#8217;s Organic TA Office Hours to get answers to your questions! The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is offering farmers free Technical Assistance each month over Zoom. Join NCAT staff online to ask questions about transitioning to organic and certification, developing your Organic System Plans (OSPs), and more.
Register in advance through Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpcu2ppjosG9X-9IfwFXSjBvZgewME5z8U
Questions? Contact Felicia Bell at feliciab@ncat.org.

Organic TA Office Hours

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/53dad699-c579-4220-bdea-cca0ecb89d70@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network for an afternoon of learning at the Tuskegee University Black Belt Marketing and Innovation Center (BBMIC).
First, we&#8217;ll get a tour by Terri Lewis of the center and the shared processing equipment and cold storage available for farmer use. Then we&#8217;ll hear from Sarah Bell about small-scale grain and rice cultivation in the Southeast. After, we&#8217;ll wrap the day with a tractor maintenance workshop and roller/crimper demo by Justin Tate and David Miller on the BBMIC&#8217;s community tractor (which is available for no-cost farmer rental). To boot, we&#8217;ll share in delicious purple-hull peas grown by Mr. Williams and prepared by Kayla King! Tuskegee University is an Equal Opportunity employer and provider.
Learn more and register for this free event <a href="https://asanonline.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/info?id=51&amp;reset=1">here</a>.
&nbsp;

Black Belt Marketing and Innovation Center (BBMIC) Tour, Tractor Workshop, Small Grains Info Session

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/6ee358f3-0b36-4d90-b77a-b376c4573fc5@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Organic Growers School for Organic Crop Management, a FREE webinar series led by local farmers and agricultural resource specialists. Growers will gain the tools to manage soil health, weeds, pests and diseases for the whole farm. Participants will also gain insight into considerations for Organic Certification. Each session will center around direct experience in the field from organic growers of different scales.
Featured Topics and Speakers:
9/24 &#8211; Organic Soil Management w/ De&#8217;Anthony Price (Rodale Institute)
10/1 &#8211; Organic Pest Management w/ Tom Elmore (Thatchmore Farm)
10/8 Organic Plant Disease Management w/ Steve Beltram &amp; Danielle Hutchison (TendWell Farm)
10/15 Organic Weeds Management w/ Mary Carroll (Red Scout Farm)
Learn more and register <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1_W9iy0AIReyTFho-t8rm3wcney9">here</a>.

Organic Crop Management Series

Join SAAFON (Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network) on October 12th for Agrarian Revival Fest: Rooting in Our Practices!
This free festival is a celebration of organic agriculture and Black agrarianism, designed to highlight the enduring legacy of Black farmers across the Southeast. A farmer-centered, family-friendly daylong event, Agrarian Revival Fest promises attendees an exploration of land practices that are both sustainable and ancestral, integrating the past, present, and future of Black agrarianism.
Learn more <a href="https://saafon.org/saafon-hosts-inaugural-agrarian-revival-fest-rooting-in-our-practices/">here</a>.
Register <a href="https://saafonemergencyfundapplication.formstack.com/forms/saafon_agrarian_revival_fest_registration_form">here</a>.

Agrarian Revival Fest: Rooting in Our Practices

Join Florida Organic Growers, University of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands Farmers Alliance on October 11th from 11am &#8211; 12pm (EST) for an informative webinar. “An Introduction to Organic Farming and Production in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands” will offer a comprehensive overview of organic agriculture in these vibrant regions, showcasing the diverse certified organic products across the Caribbean. The session will provide an in-depth look at the unique organic farming landscapes of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, explore opportunities within the organic sector, and highlight the benefits and challenges of transitioning to or enhancing organic practices.  
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation on the future of organic agriculture in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands!  
Register for free <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqd-GsrzIiGNTx-5IkJYRgdUeH3aBq-NjK">here</a>.  
Questions? Reach out to <a href="mailto:setopp@foginfo.org">setopp@foginfo.org</a>  
This event is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants.

FOGUPRVIFA Webinar 10112024 Flier New

An Introduction to Organic Farming and Production in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

Join Florida Organic Growers from 10am &#8211; 2pm for an informative session on marketing your Organic products and crops. During this workshop, learn about key organic practices and marketing strategies for fruits and vegetables presented by Ben McLean III of McLean Family Farms. Learn about the benefits of organic farming and how it can enhance the viability of your farming business. This workshop is designed for both beginner and intermediate level farmers to gain knowledge of a wide variety of practices and strategies that have been used for over 20 years by McLean Family Farms. An overview of approved materials and a demonstration of methods will be provided.
This is a free event! Registration is required.
The workshop will be held on October 10th in person at Swallowtail Farm located at 7301 SE 92nd Terrace Gainesville, FL 32641.
A light lunch will be provided.
Please be aware this is an on-farm event. It is recommended attendees wear closed-toed shoes and be prepared for outdoor weather, including bringing hats, sunglasses and water.
Questions? Contact Florida Organic Growers at <a title="mailto:SETOPP@foginfo.org" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-organic-advantage-marketing-your-organic-products-and-crops-tickets-1020857270577?aff=ebdsoporgprofile" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">SETOPP@foginfo.org</a> or call 352-377-6345.
This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

FOG_McLean Workshop Oct 10

The Organic Advantage: Marketing Your Organic Products and Crops

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/35d2891a-a984-4725-8501-c3bab43ed8ef@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join us for an engaging panel with local small-scale farmers on how sustainable practices in food production and marketing can drive profitability for your farm or small business. Then, we’ll learn how to transition from synthetic and conventional chemicals to effective organic alternatives, enhancing soil health, boosting crop resilience, and promoting biodiversity.
Learn more and register <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sustainability-profitability-a-food-production-marketing-panel-tickets-1028319389977?aff=oddtdtcreator">here</a>.

Sustainability=Profitability: A Food, Production, and Marketing Practices Panel

<h4>Join us for a live conversation with a organic citrus farmer!</h4>
Rodale Institute is excited to invite you to a live conversation with Herb Young, the passionate owner of <a href="https://squeezecitrus.com/pages/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Squeeze Citrus</a>, as he shares his journey into organic citrus farming.
Herb will dive into his experiences with organic certification and the unique challenges he’s faced growing organic citrus in South Georgia. Discover experiences of regenerative organic practices and gain valuable insights into making your organic farm thrive.
This webinar is perfect for current and transitioning organic farmers. Whether you’re starting out or looking to expand your knowledge, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to navigate the organic certification process.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert and enhance your organic farming journey!
<h5>Hosted by:</h5>
<ul>
<li>De’Anthony Price, Southeast Organic Consultant</li>
<li>Jen Rose Silverman, New Mexico Organic Consultant</li>
<li>Herb Young, Owner of Squeeze Citrus</li>
</ul>
This webinar is funded by the USDA National Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
Learn more and register <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-organic-unveiled-a-journey-through-certification-and-challenges/">here</a>.

Webinar: Organic Unveiled—A Journey Through Certification and Challenges

Join Organic Growers School for Organic Crop Management, a FREE webinar series led by local farmers and agricultural resource specialists. Growers will gain the tools to manage soil health, weeds, pests and diseases for the whole farm. Participants will also gain insight into considerations for Organic Certification. Each session will center around direct experience in the field from organic growers of different scales.
Featured Topics and Speakers:
9/24 &#8211; Organic Soil Management w/ De&#8217;Anthony Price (Rodale Institute)
10/1 &#8211; Organic Pest Management w/ Tom Elmore (Thatchmore Farm)
10/8 Organic Plant Disease Management w/ Steve Beltram &amp; Danielle Hutchison (TendWell Farm)
10/15 Organic Weeds Management w/ Mary Carroll (Red Scout Farm)
Learn more and register <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1_W9iy0AIReyTFho-t8rm3wcney9">here</a>.

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/6b6c38ff-68a6-40fb-b37d-2ebcb799c3a8@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Oxford College Farm and Georgia Organics for a workshop and field day on October 7th! Participants will learn everything they need to know to start using cover crops on their organic farm. The event will be a mix of classroom-style learning and hands-on demonstrations of cover crop planting. Cover crops are a key practice, along with crop rotation, on this and any other certified organic farm. This field day will give teach you the why and how of using cover crops successfully. Learn from an expert who has over 25 years of experience using cover crops to enhance fertility, manage insect pests ecologically, reduce weed pressure, and mitigate crop disease.
Register and learn more <a href="https://bit.ly/oxfordoct2024">here</a>.

Success with Cover Crops: an Oxford College Farm Field Day

Join Organic Growers School for Organic Crop Management, a FREE webinar series led by local farmers and agricultural resource specialists. Growers will gain the tools to manage soil health, weeds, pests and diseases for the whole farm. Participants will also gain insight into considerations for Organic Certification. Each session will center around direct experience in the field from organic growers of different scales.
Featured Topics and Speakers:
9/24 &#8211; Organic Soil Management w/ De&#8217;Anthony Price (Rodale Institute)
10/1 &#8211; Organic Pest Management w/ Tom Elmore (Thatchmore Farm)
10/8 Organic Plant Disease Management w/ Steve Beltram &amp; Danielle Hutchison (TendWell Farm)
10/15 Organic Weeds Management w/ Mary Carroll (Red Scout Farm)
Learn more and register <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1_W9iy0AIReyTFho-t8rm3wcney9">here</a>.

Join Organic Growers School for Organic Crop Management, a FREE webinar series led by local farmers and agricultural resource specialists. Growers will gain the tools to manage soil health, weeds, pests and diseases for the whole farm. Participants will also gain insight into considerations for Organic Certification. Each session will center around direct experience in the field from organic growers of different scales.
Featured Topics and Speakers:
9/24 &#8211; Organic Soil Management w/ De&#8217;Anthony Price (Rodale Institute)
10/1 &#8211; Organic Pest Management w/ Tom Elmore (Thatchmore Farm)
10/8 Organic Plant Disease Management w/ Steve Beltram &amp; Danielle Hutchison (TendWell Farm)
10/15 Organic Weeds Management w/ Mary Carroll (Red Scout Farm)
Learn more and register <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1_W9iy0AIReyTFho-t8rm3wcney9">here</a>.

Join River Queen Greens and SPROUT NOLA for a cover crop field day in which RQG will discuss their overall summer cover crop strategies and present the termination techniques they&#8217;re using this fall season. This is an opportunity for agricultural producers to learn from their peers about using cover crops as a sustainable soil building practice.
<ul>
<li>Attendees will be present as RQG terminates their summer sunn hemp cover crop using a tractor-mounted roller crimper and will learn about their two-year Southern SARE grant-funded experiment planting directly into crimped sunn hemp.</li>
<li>Attendees will see multiple growth stages of summer cover crop mix (sudan grass, buckwheat, iron and clay cowpeas, and sunflowers) and will also see the different termination strategies used in different fields.</li>
<li>RQG will demonstrate the EGO brush cutter and also talk about how they&#8217;ve adapted without their riding mower, which has played a big role in the past in helping terminate cover crop</li>
<li>Attendees will learn how tarps are used instead of tillage to incorporate cover crops.</li>
</ul>
This peer-to-peer learning opportunity is part of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). Food and beverages will be provided.
Hope to see you on Friday, September 20th for the Cover Crop Termination Variety Show!
The event is free but registration is required. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cover-crop-termination-field-day-at-river-queen-greens-tickets-1005384410837?aff=oddtdtcreator">Register here.</a>

Cover Crop Termination Field Day

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/17329d5b-bab6-4833-b481-773aecac40a3@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

<h4>Join us for an Organic Field Day at the Southeast Organic Center on Thursday, September 19 from 10AM – 2:30PM EST.</h4>
Participants will have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/about/facilities-and-campuses/regional-resource-centers/southeast-organic-center/">Rodale Institute’s Southeast Organic Center</a> staff and team of organic consultants and learn about our research and demonstration projects focused on organic agriculture and tailored for farmers in the Southeast, with a primary emphasis on saffron, turmeric, peppers, and corn production.
This event is ideal for researchers, students, educators, and all farmers, whether you are interested in learning more about organic farming, have an interest in consulting services to transition to organic, or are currently a Southeast organic farmer. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Attendees are responsible for their own meals as lunch will not be provided; however, water will be available.
Learn more and register <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/southeast-field-day/">here</a>.

Rodale Institute Southeast Organic Center Field Day

<div>Clemson University Organic Certification Program in partnership with The Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (SE TOPP) invites you to attend the Organic Certification Basics class for the small farmer. This free in person event will provide a general overview of organic certification and tools for new and transitioning organic farmers.</div>
<div></div>
<div>On September 19th, the training will include a mock inspection to provide a firsthand look at an organic inspection and recordkeeping requirements. To attend the mock inspection, you must attend the classroom learning portion on September 11th.</div>
<div></div>
<div>This training is geared towards the new or transitioning small organic farmer. Please dress for the farm visit.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Register <a href="https://clemson.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ifKrnSRpSML9UG">here</a>.</div>
<div></div>
<div>For more information, contact Gavin Berry at organic@clemson.edu or 864-646-2129.</div>

Clemson University Organic Certification Basics – Mock Inspection

<div>Clemson University Organic Certification Program in partnership with The Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (SE TOPP) invites you to attend the Organic Certification Basics class for the small farmer. This free in person event will provide a general overview of organic certification and tools for new and transitioning organic farmers.</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>On September 17th, the training will include a mock inspection to provide a firsthand look at an organic inspection and recordkeeping requirements. To attend the mock inspection, you must attend the classroom learning portion on September 11th.</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>This training is geared towards the new or transitioning small organic farmer. Please dress for the farm visit.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Register <a href="https://clemson.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ifKrnSRpSML9UG">here</a>.</div>
<div></div>
<div>For more information, contact Gavin Berry at organic@clemson.edu or 864-646-2129.</div>

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/414b7a1d-88ee-4ad1-a4e4-a8c2591272e8@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Clemson University Organic Certification Program in partnership with The Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (SE TOPP) invites you to attend the Organic Certification Basics class for the small farmer. This free event in person event will provide a general overview of organic certification and tools for new and transitioning organic farmers. The main topics covered are Organic System Plans (OSP), organic regulations, organic crop practices and addressing misconceptions of organic certification. Please bring your laptop or other note-taking applications. A registration link will be posted at a later date.
The Mock Inspection will be held on Tuesday September 17th and Thursday September 19th.
Register <a href="https://clemson.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ifKrnSRpSML9UG">here</a>.
For more information, contact Gavin Berry at organic@clemson.edu or 864-646-2129.
&nbsp;

Clemson Flier

Clemson University Organic Certification Basics

Join an immersive workshop at Seed Time Harvest Farm, where we will delve into sustainable agriculture practices that are crucial for building resilient farming systems. Gabriella Soto-Velez from NCAT will lead a presentation on soil health indicators, focusing on practical strategies for enhancing soil vitality through cropping and ground cover methods. This session will provide valuable insights into the fundamentals of soil health, emphasizing how these techniques can be effectively integrated into farming practices.
Following this, Juan Carlos Rodriguez from Florida Organic Growers, will offer a concise presentation on transitioning to organic farming, providing essential guidance for farmers interested in making the shift to organic practices. His talk will cover the challenges and opportunities associated with organic certification and the steps necessary to achieve it.
To conclude the workshop, Cetta, the owner of Seed Time Harvest Farm, will share her firsthand experience with agrivoltaics—an innovative approach that combines agriculture with solar energy production. She will discuss how this technology has been implemented on her farm and the benefits it has brought to both her crops and energy efficiency.
This workshop promises to be an engaging and informative experience for anyone interested in sustainable farming, organic transition, and innovative agricultural practices.
Register <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRkXbZKoHOUeY-Ushp3FWXa7DLG7HlptZf65wAYFNdHeJo3Q/viewform">here</a>.
Questions? Contact bashia.marks@famu.edu with the subject line &#8220;Benefits of Organic Farming&#8221;.

Benefits of Organic Workshop

Agroecology Learning Session and Farm Tour – Benefits of Organic Farming – Sustainable Practices for Transitioning Farmers and the Future

Before Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network&#8217;s Graze event, where chefs are paired with farmers for a food-tasting fair for the public, join in a workshop around expanding market access in the Huntsville, Alabama area.
Learn more and register here: <a href="https://asanonline.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&amp;id=48">https://asanonline.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&amp;id=48</a>
This event is co-hosted by the Georgia Organics&#8217; Farmer Champion Program.

Alabama CRAFT: North AL Market Access for Sustainable, Organic & Specialty Growers

On August 22nd, join Florida Organic Growers and Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) from 11am – 12pm (EST) for “Allowed Inputs for Organic Farms: OMRI Certification, Certifier Roles, and Best Practices.”
This webinar is designed to help organic farmers navigate the complexities of input selection for organic production. Discover how OMRI certifies products, the benefits of using OMRI-listed inputs, and guidelines for maintaining organic compliance. Learn about the certifier&#8217;s role in input review, including the decision-making process and the types of questions they can and cannot answer. This session will provide valuable insights, practical advice, and clarify common misconceptions about inputs allowed and not allowed in organic production. Don&#8217;t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of allowed organic inputs and improve your operation!
Register for free here: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsf-6vpjwoHNf5APGO7Apr0uQDs7ThTBe8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsf-6…</a>
Guest Presenter: Orsi Dézsi, Executive Director/CEO of OMRI, will be speaking at this event! Orsi holds a B.A. in History and Russian &amp; Eastern European Studies, and a Master’s in Public Administration, with a focus in Nonprofit Management. For the past 20 years, she has worked closely with the regulatory community, industry stakeholders, and clients to navigate the evolving global regulatory landscape in both equipment design and food contact material regulations. Outside of work, Orsi is actively involved in the community by volunteering at a local animal rescue and food pantry.
This event is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants.

FOG_SE TOPP Webinar – Organic Inputs

Allowed Inputs for Organic Farms: OMRI Certification, Certifier Roles, and Best Practices

Join Florida Organic Growers and 4Roots from 10am &#8211; 2pm for an informative session on pest, weeds, and disease management, as well as key organic practices for fruits and vegetables presented by Ben McLean III of McLean Family Farms. Learn about the benefits of organic farming and how it can enhance the viability of your farming business. This workshop is designed for both beginner and intermediate level farmers to gain knowledge of a wide variety of practices and strategies that have been used for over 20 years by McLean Family Farms. An overview of approved materials and a demonstration of methods will be provided.
This is a free event! Registration is required. Register on Eventbrite <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/managing-pests-weeds-and-diseases-using-organic-practices-tickets-922983768297?utm-campaign=social&amp;utm-content=attendeeshare&amp;utm-medium=discovery&amp;utm-term=listing&amp;utm-source=cp&amp;aff=ebdsshcopyurl">here</a>.
The workshop will be held on August 16th at 4Roots Campus located at 1101 N. John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32804.
Please be aware this is an on-farm event. It is recommended attendees wear closed-toed shoes and be prepared for outdoor weather, including bringing hats, sunglasses and water.
Questions? Contact Florida Organic Growers at SETOPP@foginfo.org or call 352-377-6345.
This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Pest Management Workshop August 16, 2024 Flier

Managing Pests, Weeds and Diseases using organic practices: Strategies and Recommendations from a Successful Organic Farm

Join National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) on August 14th in exploring Integrated Pest Management Practices. These science backed practices empower farmers to cultivate robust, thriving plants while effectively managing pest infestations.
Learn more and register for this free webinar <a href="https://attra.ncat.org/events/#event=77666779;instance=20240814130000?popup=1">here.</a>

NCAT Webinar IPM

Southern Organic Pest Management Through IPM

On July 30th, join Florida Organic Growers from 1 &#8211; 2pm (EST) Eastern for &#8220;Organic 101 – Understanding regulations, practices, and first steps to certification,&#8221; a comprehensive webinar designed to demystify organic certification. Led by experts in organic agriculture and certification, learn about regulatory framework as well as best practices for organic compliance. You will also receive step-by-step guidance on initiating the certification process for your farm or business. This webinar is ideal for beginners seeking foundational knowledge and insights into organic certification. Don&#8217;t miss this opportunity to learn and take your first steps towards organic certification!
Register for free here: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItdeyhrzwvGdQJi4D8jQMFvgVM0d4xJBGJ">https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItdey…</a>
This event is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants.

Organic 101 – Understanding regulations, practices and first steps to certification

Join Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network on July 18th for a Market Access for Organic, Sustainable and Specialty Growers Panel. During this virtual panel, partners and farmers will share methods and opportunities for expanding farmer market access in Alabama.
Learn more and register here: <a href="https://asanonline.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&amp;id=49">https://asanonline.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&amp;id=49</a>

Alabama CRAFT: Market Access for Organic, Sustainable and Specialty Growers Panel

Georgia Organics is hosting an Organic Growers Farmer Field Day (OGFFD) at Oxford College Farm in Oxford, GA. Organic Growers Farmer Field Days are educational workshops specifically geared towards transitioning and Certified Organic farmers. The field day will begin with a farm tour led by Daniel Parson, a farmer-educator with over 25 years of Certified Organic farming experience. Afterwards, three educational sessions will take place, led by researchers and experts UGA Entomology and UGA Extension.
-Educational Session 1: Effects of soil fertility on plant health and insects (UGA Entomology &#8211; Dr. William Snyder and Carly Sharp, PhD candidate &amp; UGA Extension &#8211; Gabrielle LaTora) 
-Educational Session 2: Science of soil fertility and creating fertility management plans (Oxford College Farm &#8211; Daniel Parson) 
-Educational Session 3: Organic pesticide management and application workshop (UGA Entomology – Dr. Alton Sparks)
Learn more and register <a href="https://bit.ly/fsogffdjuly24">here</a>.
Registration is free and required to attend the field day.

Organic Growers Farmer Field Day: Balancing Soil Fertility & Organic Pesticide Management

Join Mississippi State University Extension for the Beaumont Horticultural Unit Field Day on June 6, 2024! This free event will cover horticultural topics including, but not limited to, transitioning to organic production, high tunnel production, cover crops, variety trials, floral design, grape production and winemaking, propagation, vegetable diseases, and much more!
Registration and breakfast begins at 7:30 am. Program is from 8:00 am -12:00 pm.
Pre-registration is not required. Contact Dr. Christine Coker: christine.coker@msstate.edu or 
Mike Ely at 601.788.6616 for more details.

Are you a grower or do you serve growers? Organic methods are challenging to implement in Louisiana but not impossible &#8211; come learn how to apply organic and sustainable management techniques to market vegetable operations. Mixing hands-on and classroom learning, this practical workshop is by farmers and for farmers.
Organic farming pioneer Michael O&#8217;Gorman, founder of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, will be sharing his knowledge in Lafayette, LA on June 5th and 6th.
<div>Event Times:</div>
<ul>
<li>June 5th, 10am &#8211; 3pm &#8211; Workshop 1 is intended for Farmers and Growers</li>
<li>June 5th, 6 &#8211; 8pm &#8211; Evening Social</li>
<li>Thurs June 6th, 9am &#8211; 2pm &#8211; Workshop 2 is intended for extension, ag professionals, and nonprofit staff</li>
</ul>
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This event is organized by LSSAC, the Louisiana Small-Scale Agriculture Coalition, and supported by SE TOPP.
Learn more and register <a href="https://cleda.wufoo.com/forms/zpj2dzi19rt7y8/">here.</a>
For questions, email Chris Adams: cadams@louisiana-central.com

Organic Grower Workshop

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The Southeastern Regional Center for Organic Transition is a coalition of 30 plus partners led by <a href="https://foginfo.org/">Florida Organic Growers (FOG)</a> providing technical assistance and support for transitioning and existing organic farmers throughout the Southeastern United States. The Center serves producers in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Our Mentorship Program connects producers transitioning with experienced organic producers who serve as mentors. These mentors guide them through the transition process and offer valuable insights into their journey into organic farming.

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