SOUTHERN SUSTAINABLE FARMING # 13
NOVEMBER 1996
-part 2-
==========
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group
P.O. Box 324, Elkins, AR 72727
Phone (501) 292-3714; E-mail: ssfarm@juno.com
Keith Richards, Editor
==========
SOUTHERN SUSTAINABLE FARMING is the quarterly
voice of the Southern SAWG, 50 member organizations
working for more sustainable agriculture in 13 Southern
states. Hard copy subscriptions via U. S. postal service:
$15 per year or $25 for two years
==================================================
CONTENTS, part 2:
* FLORIDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC GROWERS
& CONSUMERS
* CALENDAR OF EVENTS
*
==================================================
FLORIDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC GROWERS &
CONSUMERS: A Southern SAWG Member Profile
For the past seven years, the Florida Certified
Organic Growers & Consumers (FOG) have used the
organic certification and labeling process as an avenue for
education. Marty Mesh, executive director of FOG, says,
"Education is our primary focus. We are constantly
answering questions from farmers on how to be more
sustainable through organic methods, and answering
questions from consumers on where to find organic
products."
Licensed by the State of Florida to certify organic
farmers, handlers and processors, FOG makes sure anyone
who uses the Florida organic label meets a strict set of
standards. They also represent the concerns of both
consumers and growers in the ongoing process of creating
and implementing a national organic law.
Although FOG has the duty to uphold the organic
labeling standards, their policy is to educate and assist
growers rather than police them. FOG provides technical
assistance to current and potential farmers within the state
by giving farmer-to-farmer advice, helping to organize
workshops, coordinating farm tours, and sponsoring an
annual symposium. Members have also volunteered to
work with growers in Costa Rica, Africa, and the
Caribbean to help further sustainable farming practices and
explore the possibility of establishing organic certification
programs in those regions.
FOG educates consumers by answering direct
inquiries and making presentations at health and
environmental events. The organization is also beginning to
work with area retailers on an organic promotion program
involving "point of sale" materials.
FOG's commitment to education extends to students
as well. Mesh says, "We have four students from the
University of Florida working with us now. We have
nurtured relationships with ag students as interns and
researchers to help them pursue careers in the sustainable
agriculture field." Additionally, FOG has coordinated farm
tours for local student groups and a 4-H club from Lake
City.
Finally, FOG members participate on the State
Organic Advisory Council, the State Strategic Planning
Team for Sustainable Agriculture, and have provided
leadership to Southern SAWG since its inception.
FOG will host the Southern SAWG Annual
Conference on January 16-18 in Gainesville, FL. Call 352-
377-6345 for more information about FOG or the SSAWG
Conference.
*****************************************
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 4: Oklahoma SAWG Organizational Meeting in
conjunction with Oklahoma Horticulture Industries Show,
Tulsa, OK. For information contact the Kerr Center at 918-
647-9123.
January 16-19: Southern SAWG Annual Conference &
Trade Show, Radisson Hotel, Gainesville, FL. Over 25
workshops and round table discussions, 3 farm tours,
farmers' stories, trade show, organic cotton fashion show,
sustainably produced food showcased in meals and
receptions, and much more. For information contact the
Florida Organic Growers at 352-377-6345.
January 24-25: Eco-Fair Texas, Palmer Auditorium,
Austin, TX. For information contact Laura Engle at 512-
418-8708.
February 11-12: Southeastern Sustainable Animal Waste
Management Workshop & Trade Show, Univ. of
Georgia Rural Development Center, Tifton, GA. For more
information phone 912-386-3416 or e-mail to:
jwerner@uga.cc.uga.edu.
March 6-8: Mississippi Association of Cooperatives
Silver Anniversary Celebration, Jackson, MS. For more
information contact Daisy Campbell at 601-354-2750.
If you have a conference, field day, or event you would like
listed, let us know by February 17 for the Spring 1997
issue. Call 501-292-3714 or email to: ssfarm@juno.com