Project Overview
Information Products
Commodities
Practices
- Animal Production: feed/forage, grazing management, grazing - continuous, grazing - multispecies, grazing - rotational, pasture fertility
- Crop Production: conservation tillage, cover crops, crop rotation, nutrient management
- Education and Training: extension, workshop
- Farm Business Management: e-commerce
- Production Systems: organic agriculture, transitioning to organic
- Soil Management: green manures, organic matter, soil quality/health
- Sustainable Communities: community services, food hubs
Abstract:
This report covers activities from 2020 through early 2023 related to the funding provided.
The Advisory Committee had another conference call on February 5, 2021 to review activities from 2020 as well as opportunities for the coming year. Education and training opportunities for the following areas were identified: organic peanut production, cover crops and conservation tillage, grazing, online marketing for farms, GAP programs, and grazing production systems. In addition, travel support for Extension agents to attend conferences (National Grazing Lands Conference) were discussed. These activities increase knowledge and confidence in participating agriculture professionals which then translates to an increased ability to assist organic, resource-limited, and small farmers.
The Advisory Committee had a conference call on February 22, 2022 to review activities from 2020-2021 (all impacted by Covid) as well as to consider new opportunities for the upcoming year. The focus was more on field days and experiential learning opportunities for agents and influential growers in the region. Activities considered for the upcoming year included on farm programming at the UGA Durham Horticulture Farm, Fort Valley State University, and other locations (Rodale Southeastern Organic Center, UGA Watermelon Research Park in Cordele, GA) focusing on food safety, hoop house production, cover crops, and weed management. The SARE program assistant had left in January 2022 and a new initiative where the SARE program assistant was split between SARE and urban agriculture efforts was discussed. Ongoing support for the Journeyman Farmer Program which was heavily modified was also discussed.
Project objectives:
The long-term goal of the Georgia Model State Program is “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 plan to accomplish this by hosting workshops and educational opportunities, and offering scholarships to Extension agents and specialists, agricultural professionals, NRCS personnel, agricultural and environmental researchers, and community leaders. The SARE Advisory Committee has used the Georgia Model State Program Logic Model to identify the following six areas of focus for training workshops and scholarships: conservation tillage systems, organic production, grazing based animal production systems, composting, direct marketing, and local food systems.