2026-2027 Model State Program Grant - The University of Georgia

Commodities

Practices

The UGA SARE program met with the SARE Advisory Committee in February and August 2025 to review the current logic model and develop a five-year plan to address emerging professional development needs, supported by the addition of a new UGA Coordinator. The committee reviewed the existing logic model and expressed strong support for the current SARE training objectives, which include conservation tillage systems, organic production, grazing-based livestock systems, composting, direct marketing, and local food systems. Members also emphasized the continued need for expanded training in composting, soil health, food safety, and specialty crop production, particularly mushrooms and cut flowers, reflecting the growing demand for diversified production systems across Georgia.

In the upcoming planning period, the program will continue to expand professional development offerings in cover crops, composting, soil health management, conservation tillage, organic vegetable production, specialty crops (including mushrooms and cut flowers), online marketing for farms, GAP programs, and grazing-based production systems. The program will also broaden its focus to better address the needs of urban food production and urban soil health. Extension professionals will be supported through conference participation, targeted workshops, and other educational opportunities, while the UGA Journeyman Farmer program will continue to grow in response to increasing interest in urban and peri-urban regions of the state. Collectively, these efforts, with increased emphasis on composting, soil health, food safety, and specialty crops, will strengthen agricultural and Extension professionals' knowledge and confidence in sustainable production systems to support diverse farming communities across Georgia.

The Georgia Model State Program developed a Logic Model to guide statewide sustainable agriculture training efforts. The model has currently been reviewed and is being updated to reflect the evolving needs of Georgia's producers and the priorities identified by the SARE Advisory Committee and statewide clientele. The SARE Logic Model will continue to incorporate input from urban audiences and non- traditional, underserved farmers and growers. Our overarching goal remains to promote increased adoption of sustainable agriculture practices at multiple scales supported by a knowledgeable network of agricultural professionals resulting in diverse, profitable, and environmentally responsible farm operations and practices.

For the 2026-2027 cycle, we will continue to develop training opportunities aligned with the current reviewed Logic Model objectives. Key focus areas will include composting, local food systems, direct marketing, organic production across commodities, and urban food production. We will again support Extension professionals in attending major professional development events, including the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Georgia Organics Conference, and National Urban Extension Leaders Conference. Up to six participants (four for the Southeast Regional conference and one for Georgia Organics and National Urban Extension Leaders Conference) will be supported as these conferences remain central to building agent capacity and strengthening networks with growers and sustainable agriculture leaders.

Support for the Journeyman Farmer Program will continue, as it remains the only program of its kind in Georgia. For 2026-2027, the program will continue to expand and provide training essential for beginner farmers including training on small-scale poultry production and beekeeping. Honorarium funding is included for four AgSouth/Farm Credit speakers who will provide training on agricultural business management.

We are also requesting additional honorarium funding for grower speakers to participate in hands-on field days including the 2026 Organic Growers Seminar and Soil Health Field Day. Grower-led instruction remains a highly impactful component of our training model. To enhance hands-on learning for growers and agents, we are requesting materials and supplies for trainings held at UGA Research Centers and at SARE Advisory Committee partner sites. Planned programs for 2026-2027 include mushroom production, local food systems, composting, organic production, cut flower production, and integrated pest management. Our SARE program assistant, housed at the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture, continues to support a growing demand for sustainable urban agriculture programming statewide.