2016-2017 Model State Program University of Georgia

Project Overview

SGA16-001
Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2016: $6,667.00
Projected End Date: 06/30/2018
Grant Recipient: University of Georgia
Region: Southern
State: Georgia
State Coordinator:
Julia Gaskin
Email
University of Georgia

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Animal Production: grazing management
  • Farm Business Management: Marketing
  • Production Systems: organic agriculture
  • Soil Management: composting
  • Sustainable Communities: local and regional food systems

    Abstract:

    The SARE Advisory Committee met in August 2015 and agreed that the Georgia SARE LOGIC model objectives needed revision. The last revisions were in 2007 so the group worked hard to update the SARE Logic Model. The updated objectives are compost, organic production, grazing-based animal production systems, direct marketing, conservation tillage systems, and local food systems. The Committee also decided upon trainings and conferences to support for the upcoming year that would fulfill these objectives. These include support for the following events: Compost Operation workshop, Organic Production Training Workshop, Modern Marketing Tools Training, and Southeast Research and Education Center Field Day. We awarded scholarships to county agents to attend the following conferences or workshops: Compost Operation Workshop, Georgia Organics Conference, American Forage and Grassland Council, Modern Marketing Tools Training, and Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Scholarships. All of these activities increase knowledge and confidence in participating agriculture professionals which then translates to an increased ability to assist organic farmers, resource limited, and small farmers.

    Project objectives:

    During 2006, the Georgia Model State Program developed a LOGIC Model to guide our training efforts. The LOGIC Model was then updated in 2015 to reflect the current needs of Georgia as directed by the SARE Advisory Committee. To reach our long-term goal of “Increased use of sustainable agriculture practices by producers at multiple scales supported by a knowledgeable network of agricultural professionals ensuring a high proportion of diverse, profitable, and environmentally-friendly farm operations”, we identified, in 2015, the following six areas for training workshops: compost, organic production, grazing-based animal production systems, direct marketing, conservation tillage, and local food systems.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.