Organics
Organic agriculture is a growth industry in North Carolina and throughout most of the United States. Much of our efforts in organic, and more recently biodynamic, 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. There are also organic tomato variety/breeding line studies with entries from High Mowing Seeds, Vitalis Seeds, and Dr. Randy Gardner.
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
- eXtension Organic Agriculture Resources
- 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!