Organic agriculture is a growth industry in North Carolina and throughout most of the United States. Much of our efforts in organic and regenerative agriculture are focused on the small and mid-sized farms in the western part of the state although we are partners on several large multi-state projects, too.
Mountain Organic Research and Extension Unit
Dr. Jeanine Davis, in the Department of Horticultural Science, currently has studies in the Organic Unit. Studies include a multi-state organic tomato breeding project, funded by a USDA/OREI grant, with screening of new breeding lines and varieties and an organic fungicide study (the breeders are working in the greenhouse in 2022 so there is no study in the field this year; it will return in 2023) and a NCDA&CS Specialty Crops Block Grant study led by tomato breeder, Dr. Dilip Panthee.Topics
- Current Projects
- Completed Projects
- NC State Organic Research and Extension Resources
- National Resources
- Organic Research & Publications
- Organic Certification
- Organic Production
- Organic Farm Business Planning
- Organic Farm Marketing
- Biodynamic Agriculture
- Current Issues
- Organizations
- Supporting NC Organic
Current Projects
- Organic Tomato Improvement Project - a multi-state, federally funded project to develop new tomato varieties for organic producers.
Completed Projects
- Organic Cucurbit Project - a multi-state, federally funded project to develop new cucurbit varieties for organic producers.
- Southeast Organic Training Page —An Advanced Organic Training for agricultural educators and extension agents.
NC State Organic Research and Extension Resources
- Mountain Organic Research and Extension Unit
- Publications and summaries of research at NC State
- Herbicide carryover in hay, manure, compost, and grass clippings
National Resources
- Southeast Organic Training Page
- eOrganic Resources on Organic Farming in the Southeast
- National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service ATTRA
Organic Certification
- What is certified organic?
- Overview of the Process of Certification
- Organizations that certify and inspect NC farms
- National Organic Programs
Organic Production
- Production Guides
- Field Crops
- Postharvest Practices
- Pest Control
- Livestock
- North Carolina State Testing Service
- Sources of Organic Supplies
Organic Farm Business Planning
- Writing a business plan
- Crop budgets
- Financing your farm with grants and loans
- Farmland preservation methods
Biodynamic Agriculture
Organic Farm Marketing
- General Marketing Resources
- Wholesale
- Retail and Restaurant
- Community Supported Agriculture
- Farmers' Markets
- Pick-your-own and Agritourism
- Case Studies
Organic Farm Networking
- Organic Farming Education
- Apprenticeships and Internships
- Farm Jobs
- Land Acquisition
Current Issues
Organizations
Supporting New Crops & Organics Program
Our program is almost completely funded by grants and gifts. If you value this program, we would appreciate your financial support. To become a Friend of the NC Alternative Crops and Organics Program, you can donate on-line here or print out this form and mail it in with your check. Thank you for your support!
