Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
- “CFSA helps people in the Carolinas grow and eat local, organic foods by advocating for fair farm and food policies, building the systems family farms need to thrive, and educating and organizing farmers and the communities they serve.” CFSA does great regional farm tours, so look for information about those!
Local Harvest www.localharvest.org
- Use this website to find Farmers’ markets and farms located near you. It lists the name of each market or farm, and includes information about what they produce. Also has a tremendous amount of good information on what it means to grow organic or produce organic meat, why it’s important to buy local, etc.
American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
- The ALBC “is a nonprofit membership organization working to protect over 180 breeds of livestock and poultry from extinction. Included are asses, cattle, goats, horses, sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Founded in 1977, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is the pioneer organization in the U.S. working to conserve historic breeds and genetic diversity in livestock."
- “Slow Food USA seeks to create dramatic and lasting change in the food system. We reconnect Americans with the people, traditions, plants, animals, fertile soils and waters that produce our food. We inspire a transformation in food policy, production practices and market forces so that they ensure equity, sustainability and pleasure in the food we eat.” Our local chapter for the Winston-Salem, NC area is http://www.slowfoodpiedmont.org/.
The USDA National Organic Program
- “The National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards.”
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group
- Their mission statement says it all: “To empower and inspire farmers, individuals, and communities in the South to create an agricultural system that is ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just, and humane. Because sustainable solutions depend on the involvement of the entire community, Southern SAWG is committed to including all persons in the South without bias.” They put on a great conference every January!
