Alliance for a Responsible Swine Industry (c/o Don Webb, 8648 Gardeners School Rd., Stantenburg 27883; 919/238-2684): Works on intensive hog farming issues in eastern N.C. Conducts community organizing, public education, and demonstrations. Publishes informational sheets on hog farming issues.
American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (P.O. Box 477, Pittsboro 27312; 919/542-5704): A national organization based in Pittsboro which promotes and conserves heritage breeds of livestock. Conducts public education and outreach; research and inventories; and policy development. Publishes a bimonthly newsletter, ALBC News, and an annual breeders directory. Recently published a book called Taking Stock: A North American Livestock Census.
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (115 W. Main St., Carrboro 27510; 919/968-1030): Certifies organic farms in N.C. and South Carolina. Holds educational field days and an annual sustainable agriculture conference. Conducts on-farm demonstration projects. Publishes the Farmer to Farmer directory of N.C. farmers using sustainable agriculture techniques, many of whom will give technical advice to other farmers (but generally not to small-scale backyard gardeners). Other publications are available.
N.C. Coalition of Farm and Rural Families (P.O. Box 52382 or 3626 Shannon Rd., Ste. 103, Durham 27717; 800/444-8935 or 919/493-8935): Helps small farmers with limited financial resources diversify and become economically viable. Provides technical, marketing, and financial assistance through a small revolving loan fund. Recommends both conventional and low-input farming techniques.
Concerned Citizens of Tillery (P.O. Box 61, Tillery 27887; 919/826-3244): Addresses environmental threats and other quality of life issues for low-income, rural, and citizens of color. Focuses on issues of large-scale, intensive hog farming. Provides technical information regarding the hog industry including its effects on communities and small farms, water quality, and air quality. Provides assistance for community organizing. Works primarily in eastern N.C. but also statewide and in South Carolina.
N.C. Farm Bureau Federation (P.O. Box 27766, Raleigh 27611; 919/782-1705): A general agricultural trade organization which forms policy positions and lobbies at the General Assembly.
Farm Plan Advocates (P.O. Box 35252, Charlotte 28235; 704/372-7196; David Waller. P.O. Box 176, Oak City 27857; 919/798-9951; Benny Bunting. 800/633-4833; Jean Wyont): Assists small-scale farmers in developing strategies for economic viability, including doing cost-benefit analyses on potential shifts from conventional to sustainable agricultural techniques. Provides information on restructuring farm debt. Works mostly in N.C. and South Carolina but in other states as well.
Land Loss Prevention Project (P.O. Box 179, Durham 27702; 800/672-5839 or 919/682-5969): Provides legal assistance to small-scale farmers across the state who are in danger of losing their farms for economic reasons. Makes referrals to attorneys who volunteer their services for farmers in such situations. Acts as a clearinghouse for information about federal grant programs which encourage sustainable farming techniques, and instructs small farmers on how to apply. Operates satellite offices in Wilson and Ahoskie.
Mountain Area Gardeners In Communities (MAGIC) (P.O. Box 168, Asheville 28802; 704/251-5666): Helps establish urban community gardens with the goal of building personal and community spirit and empowerment and beautifying neighborhoods. Conducts gardening workshops and offers garden-based science curricula to elementary schools. Works mainly in and around Buncombe County but provides literature, technical assistance, and referrals for people statewide. Publishes a food gardening almanac specific to the region encompassing Buncombe County.
Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA) (P.O. Box 655, Pittsboro 27312; 919/542-1396): Conducts public education and research on agricultural policy, biotechnology, contract farming, biodiversity, and new market opportunities. Promotes equity and diversity in agriculture. Provides technical assistance to farmers who wish to switch from chemically intensive to sustainable agricultural techniques. Helps poultry farmers evaluate contracts and policies and file complaints, and provides information on environmental waste management issues through a hotline (800/245-1995).
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (N.C. SAWG): (P.O. Box 655, Pittsboro 27312; 919/542-1396). A coalition of 41 non-profit organizations working to promote sustainable agriculture in the South. Encourages farmer leadership in the sustainable agriculture movement and works "to remove technical, institutional, and macro-economic barriers to agricultural sustainability." Conducts local marketing programs with Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA.