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

Commodities

Practices

The Georgia Model State Program developed a Logic Model to guide our training efforts. The Logic Model, updated in 2015, reflects the 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 the following areas for training workshops: conservation tillage systems, organic production, grazing-based animal production systems, soil health, composting, specialty crop production, direct marketing, and local food systems. In recent meetings in February and August 2025 with the Advisory Committee, members reviewed the Logic Model and approved of all the focus areas and suggested including additional focus areas including soil health, composting, and specialty crop production.

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 (Georgia 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.

Our current training objectives are as follows:

1. Provide 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.
2. Provide support and expansion of 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.
3. Further developing our network of farmer-delivered programming Planned programs for 2026-2027 include mushroom production, local food systems, composting, organic production, cut flower production, and integrated pest management. We are in the process of planning the 2027 Spore to Store: Urban Mushroom Symposium. Additionally, a 2026 planned program will cover organic production on small-scale farms and focus on topics including cover cropping, crop planning and transplanting, and establishing pollinator habitats on farms.

Our SARE program assistant, housed at the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture, continues to support a growing demand for sustainable urban agriculture programming statewide.