Georgia Organics' the Dirt: Summer 2013 by georgiaorganics

Reclaiming Organic Getting back to our movement's roots 2

Farm-fresh Food in S. Georgia Our Farm to School spotlight shines on Dougherty County 6

A NEW DAY FOR URBAN AG Updated Atlanta zoning could serve as model for region 14

THE DIRT The Quarterly Newsletter of Georgia Organics – Fall 2012

Summer 2013

We connect organic food from Georgia farms to Georgia families.

The Heart of a Farmer Growers are connected to the earth by more than their hands.

Some growers farm solely to make a living, to turn a profit, to provide for themselves and their families. There ain’t a darn thing wrong with that. There are other farmers, though, who’ve been pulled to the land by an unknown force, who’ve been nudged towards it by an unseen hand. The connections these farmers feel towards the earth, the soil, and the natural systems that produce healthy, nutritious food are as powerful as they are intangible. Whether you believe in God, or don't, farming is a spiritual act. We asked a few farmers in the Georgia Organics family to tell us a little about their connection to the land. We like where their heads are at.

Chris Jackson

Jenny-Jack Sun Farm, Pine Mountain

Walking alongside the buckwheat last week just before the lunch bell, I stopped to admire the blazing white buds bursting open in perfect symphony. Their physical beauty, upright posture, and belonging demeanor first intrigued me, but it was the sound surrounding the flowers that made me pause. It was a harmonic hum, like a fast-moving ceiling fan or the distant rush of wind from rush hour traffic. I immediately guessed bees. Not swarming, but evenly spread out, thousands foraging nectar, purposefully and gracefully floating from source to source unencumbered by the entranced human. Nothing particularly wise or Continued on page 8

Letter from the Director

Reclaiming Our Roots

You Say Sustainable Tomato, I Say Organic Tomato 200-A Ottley Dr. Atlanta, GA 30324 678.702.0400 info@georgiaorganics.org www.georgiaorganics.org

Board of Directors

Rashid Nuri, President Mandy Mahoney, Vice President Ed Taylor, Treasurer Linda DiSantis, Secretary James Brown Robert Currey Naomi Davis Dee Dee Digby Kurt Ebersbach Cheryl Galway Julia Gaskin Roderick Gilbert Diane Marie Harris Jenni Harris Connie Hayes Gina Hopkins Carroll Johnson Melissa Libby Ellen Macht Cashawn Myers Anne Quatrano

Staff

Donn Cooper Farmer Services Coordinator

Erin Croom Farm to School Director

Suzanne Girdner Conference Coordinator

Stephanie Hass Membership & Volunteer Coordinator

Brooke Hatfield Communications Coordinator

Andrew Ladd Director of Operations

Sandy Layton Development Director

Alice Rolls Executive Director

Emily Rose Farm to School Assistant

Michael Wall Director of Programs

Anika White Administrative Assistant

Every time I look at the certified organic acreage data in Georgia, I wince. Sure, we have had 2,000% growth since 2003, but when you start with just 273 acres, it’s easy to make the data sparkle. In reality, our state has experienced minimal growth. That’s tough to swallow when you run an organization called “Georgia Organics.” Our state has definitely seen a growth in the number of sustainable farms. We have more farms that are Certified Naturally Grown (CNG), a less rigorous certification, than any other state. Georgia Organics’ workshops, conferences, and mentoring program continue to see strong participation, with new faces every year. So why the lackluster statistics? Two things are going on here. The first is that many of our sustainable farms are not interested in getting certified organic. These farmers have developed a direct customer base, and don’t see a real need to go through the process or pay the cost to become certified organic. Unfortunately, the USDA and other agricultural establishments don’t get to see what we see—a vibrant, growing movement—because there is little data to show them. Not to knock CNG, but no one from the USDA or Georgia Dept. of Agriculture has called me to ask about CNG growth in our state. I wish they would, because then I'd have a lot to brag about. The second factor is that we have not successfully penetrated conventional agriculture or had much growth in what is called “ag in the middle,” the 100200 acre farms that could be supplying increasing wholesale and institutional demand. Certainly, there are some pioneers farms that have been paving the way—White Oak Pastures, for instance, and Miles Berry Farm. Making farms this size viable is extremely tough when the marketplace is still undeveloped and infrastructure is lacking. Tangible growth and economic data are important to politicians. We can tout the number of farmers markets, annual conference attendees, and CNG farms, but what institutions really needs to see is a dramatic rise in organic acreage in the state, certified acres that are without a doubt free of GMOs and toxic chemicals. I can’t think of a louder statement our movement could make than for our farmers to get certified. That

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THE DIRT SUMMER 2013

political stance would echo through the hallways of the agriculture department, across the campuses of universities, and even in the Gold Dome. That is when we start to have institutional influence. That is when we speed up the investment, research, and infrastructure that is currently lacking. I hear more and more people using the term “organic”—not “sustainable,” but “organic.” And not just from consumers, but nutrition directors and chefs. “Local” food is a muddy term as local, conventional offerings become more commonplace. Local food is great for local economies, but it doesn’t change the way we chemically grow food in Georgia. Organic farms will have an upper hand in the future, but they will need our help to figure out logistics, solve production challenges, and get certification— things we could better advocate for if we showed elected officials and ag regulators that the number of certified organic farms doubled, then tripled. In many ways, our movement has abandoned certified organic. Believe me, I understand why so many farms aren’t certified. But we would not be

I can’t think of a louder statement our movement could make than for our farmers to get certified. where we are today if the National Organic Program had never come along. It was big, bold, and messy, but it kickstarted our momentum, and certified organic will be crucial in the fast-growing GMO fight. We are not that little food movement that represents less than 1 percent of Georgia’s agricultural acreage. We are bigger than that. But we need to reclaim “certified organic,” even for small farms. If you are a farmer who is not currently certified, but would consider going organic, we can help you make that happen. We need you to make that happen. It is time for us to stand up and be counted.

Alice Rolls Executive DIrector

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Farm to School

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From left: Blaine Allen, Dougherty County School Nutrition Director, Emily Rose, Georgia Organics Farm to School Assistant, Shirley Sherrod, Director of the Southwest Georgia Project, Erin Croom, Georgia Organics Farm to School Director, and Daa'iyah Salaam, Business Development Specialist for Southwest Georgia Project.

5 million meals spotlight

Dougherty County Dougherty County is in the heart of southwest Georgia, and southwest Georgia is in the heart of Georgia farm country. Its proximity to so much agriculture makes the county a crucial proving ground for farm to school programs. Blaine Allen, School Nutrition Director of Dougherty County School System (DCSS), has teamed up with Southwest Georgia Project for Community Education, a social justice organization that advocates to spearhead farm to school efforts in the region. Southwest Georgia Project (SWGAP) began its farm to school initiatives out of a desire to help small farmers reach a larger market. Through their partnership with DCSS schools, the schools have introduced new vegetables, held taste tests, and built school gardens tied to core curriculums. “We feel that it is our obligation, our responsibility, to not only find markets for our farmers, but to help shift the way we think about food in this region,” Daa’iyah Salaam of SWGAP recently told a cafeteria full of community members. DCSS serves 21,000 meals every day. Their nutrition department’s farm to school goal is to purchase 20 percent of the produce

THE DIRT SUMMER 2013

served from farms within 100 miles of the county. Directing resources to those kinds of local purchases would give the region’s economy a huge boost. SWGAP is also seeking to establish a processing and distribution center so that products don’t have to travel all the way to Atlanta to get washed, cut, and packaged before heading back to Albany’s schools. Besides the economic advantages, Allen, the DCSS nutrition director, sees another benefit: produce that is recently harvested is much higher in nutrient content. “Farm to school will create a healthy student body in the Dougherty County School System,” he said. In early May, Georgia Organics partnered with DCSS and SWGAP to lead a Community Meeting for parents, teachers, school nutrition staff, and others interested in current farm to school work and in helping craft the future vision for farm to school in their community. We also helped lead a Farmers’ Forum for several local growers to meet directly with Allen and discuss what they can grow for the school next year.

Clarke County kids enjoyed the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labors in an end-ofyear garden party.

This year, Georgia Organics launched the 5 Million Meals Campaign to encourage school nutrition directors to serve local food. An amazing 40 districts pledged to serve local this year!

Leaders who have taken the pledge Appling County School System Atlanta Public Schools Baldwin County Schools Barrow County School System Bleckley County School District Burke County Public Schools Carrollton City Schools City Schools of Decatur Clarke County School District Clayton County Public Schools Cobb County School District Coffee County School System Colquitt County Schools Commerce City Schools Crisp County School System Decatur County Schools DeKalb County School District Dougherty County Schools Fulton County Schools Grady County Schools Gwinnett County Public Schools Habersham County Schools Hall County Schools Harris County School District Hart County School System Jackson County School System Laurens County Schools Lowndes County Schools Madison County School District Marietta City Schools Morgan County School System Newton County Schools Oconee County Schools Pickens County Schools Pierce County Schools Rockdale County Public Schools Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Thomas County Schools Tift County Schools Wilkes County School System

Photo by Anthony-Masterson

Nominate the Next Georgia Organics Board Member

Heirloom Society

Leave a Legacy with Planned Giving At Georgia Organics, we dream about a food revolution that shortens the distance from farm to fork, values organically grown food, and honors the livelihood of small family farms. You can be integral to this future food chain by making a planned gift to Georgia Organics today. Leaving a gift might actually save your family money by decreasing inheritance taxes through charitable gift deductions. A simple directive in your will can bring welcome support to Georgia Organics and the difference we make in the health of our citizens, our country, and our environment. Please consider supporting Georgia Organics’ mission by making a charitable bequest. For more information on how to make a planned gift, contact a financial advisor or Andrew Ladd, our director of operations, at andrew@georgiaorganics.org or 678-702-0400.

Members of Georgia Organics are invited to nominate candidates for the Board of Directors. The Board supports Georgia Organics’ mission to connect organic food from Georgia farms to Georgia families by: • Offering strategic leadership and • Providing strong fiduciary oversight policy development • Advocating on behalf of GO • Providing ideas and creative input and its members • Fundraising and recruiting • Assisting in the work of the members organization Board nominations are a competitive process, and nominees are carefully vetted by the nomination committee to create a slate that will match the skills and needs of the organization. There is no guarantee that a nominee will be selected for the final slate. We strongly invite nominations of candidates with diverse backgrounds and geographic locations and candidates who have fundraising, farming, logistics and/or financial expertise. To nominate an individual, please fill out the form available online at www.georgiaorganics.org/nominationform.pdf and submit by Aug. 1.

Grow the Revolution! Seed saving special in our online General Store

Get The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food by local author and poet Janisse Ray and The Organic Seed Grower: A Farmers Guide to Vegetable Seed Production together for $45 for a limited time only!

www.georgiaorganics.org

GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG 5

In The Field

number of young and beginning farmers in this year's mentor program

Walker comes to driver's aid Farmer Services Coordinator Donn Cooper, our man in the field.

On May 9, five farmers met for a coastal growers field day at Cumberland Island. Growing on the coast presents a unique set of challenges, and we wanted to connect them so they could share resources and build a community. From left: Ryan Graycheck, garden manager at the Greyfield Inn in Cumberland Island, Aaron Bell, the new farmer at Little St. Simon's, Matthew Raiford of Gilliard Farms in Brunswick, Gerard Krewer of Harriet's Bluff Farm near Woodbine, and Amy Schuster, departing farmer from Little St. Simon's.

Georgia Organics hosted a pastured poultry field day at Brandon Chonko's (left) Grassroots Farm in Reidsville on May 22. Lee Lancaster, above right, a senior compliance specialist in the food safety division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture who's heading up the new on-farm poultry slaughter regulations for the state, was one of the 25 people in attendance.

THE DIRT SUMMER 2013

With each edition of The Dirt, I have too many farmers to thank for their time, generosity and dedication to the good food movement. However, after a recent trip to southeast Georgia, there is one person I’d like to single out. Coasting into Sylvania, I was not surprised to see the blue lights right behind me. My black Dodge Charger, a rental with DeKalb plates, had a little more gettyup than I was used to. I stopped on the shoulder, gathered my license and rental receipt and handed them to the patrolman as he approached the window. “How fast was I going?” I said. “Sixty-eight in a 55.” “Oh, wow,” I said, starting to sweat. Didn’t he know I would never speed intentionally? This car just goes too fast, officer. He studied my license. “Do you know where you’re headed?” “Relinda Walker. Walker Organic Farms,” I said, worrying how that word “organic” would be taken in this part of the state. The previous day I had driven past countless fields of conventional onions curing in the sun. “OK,” he said, handing me my things. “You’re going to want to take a right up here on Route 21. It’s about five miles down the road.” Now, I’m sure the ticket would have been written had I not said Relinda Walker’s name, which, I think, is the moral of the story. The statistical indicators are inconclusive, if not disappointing, for the progress of organic farming in Georgia. Support from legislators sits between nonexistence and passing acknowledgment. Yet here is an organic farmer whose person and farm are integral parts of her community and landscape. Integration within the local community is the first measure of big-picture success for organic agriculture. And it’s happening everywhere: from Elberton to Jeffersonville to Newton. Progress starts with people. We’ve got a movement afoot. Thank you, Relinda.

Bluffton, GA

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Continued From page 1

earth-shattering fluttered through my brain. There was no deep, soulful realization. But the moment itself was right and pure and settling. The bees were doing what worker bees were designed to do— locate, harvest, and return nectar to the hive so that the collective might survive the cold days and even colder nights. Their busyness in preparation is noteworthy because they were engaged in the very life-giving talent bestowed upon each bee to perform daily. This picture, I believe, breathes volumes into our daily pursuit of vocation, calling and purpose. A farm is certainly a good place to watch nature make these connections. Pigs rooting and rolling in mud, chickens hunting a juicy worm, bees and insects fulfilling their innate desire to be fruitful. There is comfort in witnessing an animal relishing its intended function, unashamed and deliberate in its movements, careful but overwhelmingly confident. I have been encouraged to watch many of you humbly live out your callings, as Frederick Buechner said, “where your deep love meets the world’s deep needs.” As for us, Jenny and I were reminded last week while pulling red and white sweet potatoes from the chocolate-colored earth how fortunate we were to be digging, making constant contact with our beginnings and our end. May our continual search for purpose find power in prayer, community, and the natural world. Lynn Pugh

Cane Creek Farm, Cumming

I use organic production methods because I believe that we must learn to feed ourselves in ways that are life-giving to creation. Experiencing and working with nature all day, most every day will change a person if they pay attention! Time for reflection is built into every day, as some tasks are repetitive and leave plenty of time

THE DIRT SUMMER 2013

for thought. I have become more inclusive and less judgmental as I come to understand my significance and my insignificance in this world. It is a sacred moment for me every time I see a seed germinate. I know the science of the process, but the whole thing is clothed in miracle, as far as I am concerned, and I feel the presence of God. Sometimes in my classes, I hear and see students of diverse backgrounds with different dreams sharing and enjoying each other in a truly wonderful way. They are brought together by their mutual love of growing and nurturing creation. God is present in such love, whether people realize it or not. It brings me great joy to be a part of such a community. I have always called myself a Christian, though maybe not in the popular understanding of the word. Better to say, I believe in following the example of Jesus.

I believe in God as the Creator of everything including the forces of nature and evolution. I believe that humans have been given a special mission and challenge to learn to sustain and nurture the world we are a part of. Part of that mission is accomplished in the mindful and considerate production of food. Rashid Nuri

Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture, Atlanta

So many people get up in the morning and when they go to work they feel like they are going to hell. They hate it. I can see it on people’s faces. They have to gird themselves to be able to go into the office because they don’t like the dynamics that are there. Me, I come out to the garden in the morning and I know I meet God right out here, in these plants, and I can hear [and] see God speak, see all the miracles that take place:

Clockwise from top left: Darby Weaver and Elliot Smith of Sun Dog Farm. Jenny and Chris Jackson of Jenny Jack Sun Farm. Rashid Nuri of the Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture. Lynn Pugh of Cane Creek Farm.

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the connections between us, the plants, and the soil, and the people that relate here. People come out here just for the peace that they experience here. We work very hard to keep the vibrations at a very mellow level. The garden does not support disharmony. It doesn’t support discord. These are all things that are not here. So you can come in and have peace and be able to commune with nature. People say that, but when you are communing with nature you are really communing with God. Darby Weaver

Sun Dog Farm, Blairsville

Even with the unpredictable weather patterns and bouts of heavy rain, life on our farm has found its course and navigated

the extremes with grace. After just five months on the property, Sun Dog Farm is finally shaping up to be a productive venture and thriving farm organism. And here I am on a daily basis soaking in the beautiful expressions of this valley. On a golden morning harvesting radishes, I was amazed to realize how much the farm is an extension of my own consciousness. There are moments as a farmer when you look about all of your work and feel a great sense of pride. There are maybe just as many moments when you look at all the incredible life forces around you harnessing energies all their own and you simply feel grateful. I have come to realize that my role here on the farm varies, but it is certainly never “master” or the “boss.” I am but one part of the farm organism. The adage “know your farmer” truly expresses the importance of purchasing food from the very people who put the seeds in the ground. When someone loves their land and crops enough to not only put their name on the label, but to put their face behind the table at the Farmers Market, it is quite clear that they are doing what they love and that love is what grew what they are offering. That love is what ensures that the crops receive proper nutrition, as well as the people who eat them, and that love carries over into the farm organism as a whole. Love is as dynamic a force as a farm is an organism, and the relationship between the two is the best source of medicine available today.

The Good Food Guide —Are You In? Production is underway for the 20132015 Georgia Organics Good Food Guide, the most comprehensive resource on Georgia's sustainable farms, restaurants, farmers markets, grocery stores, and other businesses! Make sure your farm, community garden, market, or business is listed. The deadline for submissions is July 16. Farms need to be members in good standing at the Farm level or higher. Businesses and Restaurants need to be business level members in good standing at the $250 level or higher. Farmers Markets and Community Gardens do not need to be members in order to be listed, although it is encouraged. If you meet the criteria above, you will be listed in both the online interactive Good Food Guide and the printed version set to debut this fall. Please re-submit your listing information if it hasn’t been updated in 2013. If your business or restaurant has several locations, please submit the application separately for each location. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.georgiaorganics.org/become-a-member-today/goodfood-guide

GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG 9

Photo by Anthony-Masterson

Why I Support Georgia Organics' Capacity Campaign By Shirley Daughtry, Heritage Organic Farm

Back when I became Georgia’s first and only certified organic farmer, no one really knew what organic agriculture was. Back then, there was no organization like Georgia Organics, so I didn’t have any technical assistance, education, or marketing support. We are lucky to have a group like Georgia Organics. How I would have loved to have participated in their farmer mentoring program back when I started, or attended a local conference with 1,000 other farmers, consumers, and advocates. It has been amazing to watch their progress in educating farmers, launching farm to school, promoting local food, and building the good food community. Georgia Organics has been working long and hard, and now it’s time to support them. That is why I would like to ask that you join me in supporting Georgia Organics’ $1.1 million, three-year capacity campaign that will grow this crucial organization so that our statewide movement becomes more influential and reputable. If we want more organic farms and healthy, toxic-free food, then we must support groups who are working statewide to truly change agriculture. Georgia Organics is our best hope to do that. Georgia Organics has raised 70 percent of its goal, but those last dollars are always the hardest. Please consider the most generous gift you can make. If you can give $1,000 consider a three-year pledge of $3,000. If you can give $50, consider pledging $150. We are creating a new future for agriculture in Georgia. It’s time we all pull out our pens and seize this important moment.

We are creating a new future for agriculture in Georgia.

Please give online by going to www.georgiaorganics.org and clicking “Join/Donate.” Select “Make a Donation” from the drop-down menu and write “Capacity Campaign” in the special notes field. For further information and to participate in our Capacity Campaign please contact Sandy Layton at sandy@georgiaorganics.org or 678-702-0400.

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Farm-fresh & organic food in Georgia ⋆Farms⋆Restaurants & caterers⋆Farmers markets⋆and more!⋆

Capacity Campaign Donors $100,000 + Suzy & Robert Currey Wilbur & Hilda Glenn Family Foundation The RFP Fund Robert W. Woodruff Foundation

$10,000 – $49,999 RFF Alice Rolls

$5,000 – $9,999 The Mendez Foundation $1,000 – $4,999 Linda DiSantis & Bob Kerr W.F. Ingram Family Foundation Les Dames D'Escoffier Atlanta Melissa Libby

$1-$99 John Ahern Laura Strickland, Aker & Doug Acker Allie Armistead Judy Ashley Don Babb Giana & Eden Bader Lolly Beck-Pancer Gena Berry Grace & Bill Boling Ellen Bouchard Cheryl Brady, Foster-Brady Farm Rosemarie Braun Tammy & Bill Burnell, Burnell Farms Jenn & Mike Burns Rebecca Burns Janie & Tommy Carmichael Kate Cassity Brooke Carter & Naazir Yamini Pascale Chambers Carrie & Alan Chandler, New Dawn Farm Quentia C. Chester Nancy Coveny Judy & Mike Cunningham Jodi Daley Lydia Dalton

Linda Moore Denise Poole Julie Shaffer Barbara Brown Taylor & Edward Taylor Eric Wagoner, Locallygrown.net $500 - $999 Easterlin Farm Brittany & Matt Gove Dorothy Kirkley Ellen Macht Barbara Petit & C.J. Bolster $250 - $499 Margaret, Matt, Fin, & Ella Connelly Carrie D. Lawson Matt O'Shea Elaine Poirier & Michael Elliott

Karen Davis Kathryn DiMenichi Nema Etheridge Ashley Blake Ferguson Sherry & Edward Fletcher Sara Fountain Kerin Fraunfelder Mark Galvin Danyelle Gilbert Joy Goetz Stephanie & Peter Gordon Ryan Graycheck, Luke Graycheck & Maya Velasco Amy Handler Peter Hartel Stacia Hendricks Catherine Holmes & David Berle Carol Hunter Karen Hurtubise & John Clarke Julie Jacobson Jerlyn Jones Diane & Bill Jordan Carolyn Kennedy Tori LaConsay & Ramsey Yount Holly Lang Mitch Lawson, Rise ‘N Shine Farms Todd Lister, Veribest Farm

Ann Walter & Derek Economy Woodie Wisebram $100 - $249 John Bare Nancy Bock & Bonnie Edwards Suzanne Burnes Kelly Campbell-Abel Harvest Farm Cheryl Carson Tamie Cook & Deana Hilton Creekridge Farms Marti Breen & Cal Crutchfield Decimal Place Farm Down To Earth Foundation Catherine Dragon Madelyn & William Duke Gloria & David Fagin Craig Gilbert

Jaime Lozano, Crossed Arrows Farm Jule-Lynne Macie Bruce Mathis, The Home Gardener Mellonee Mayo David McCandless Vanessa, Matt, & Ethan McIntyre Sarah McQuade Holli Medley Julia Metzker Karen Minvielle Raabia Muhammad Mushroom Mountain Priscilla Mustin Joshua Neuman Chase & Joe Parks Patchwork City Farms Karen Pazol & Stu Lipkin Donna Pennington & Robert Beard Sandi & Earnie Philips Juby Phillips Matt Pieper Phoenix Gardens Ron Prather Gretchen & John Quarterman, Okra Paradise Farms

Sandy Golden Rebecca & Sanjay Gupta Harvest On Main Kimberlee & Brandon Ifill W. Carroll Johnson III Linda Jones & Ed Hunt Susan Keller Gloria Kemp Jan Kozak Ann C.W. Lam Lila McAlpin Mary Moore & Betty Willis Liz Peterson Picky Eaters Buying Club Sarah & Brendan Prendergast Deborah Shaw Joan Sherwood & Debbie Fraker Judith Smith & Rob Aaron Joe Windish & Doug Keith

Holly Rand Constance Roberts Crus Rodriges Karen Rose Kathryn L. Savoie Katherine A. Shelton Emily & Michael Shively Joel Smith Sara Smith & Stephen Gardner Smithson Mills Lois & Paul Swords Jennifer Teems Noela & Ignatius Thang Christine Tholl Jessica Toral & Bryan Price Liz & Trey Towery Alice Varon Charli Vogt Eleanor Walker & Dennis Mason Helen Wall Grace Nyabura Gatundo Wandu Belinda & Jason Waters Peter Webb Jess & Robert White Brent Wilson

GEORGIAORGANICS.ORG 11

Nutrition director farm field trip!

ut Check oto the pho n album o k! o Facebo

On May 24, school nutrition directors for Jackson County, Commerce City, and Jefferson City schools went on a farm field trip! Thirty cafeteria managers joined them to visit the farms interested in selling to schools in Jackson County next year, including R2 Farm in Winder. They met the farmers, and saw first-hand where their cafeteriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food will be coming from.

Atlanta, May 15 There are some great farmers in Atlanta's West End, a hidden gem inside the city limits where history and agriculture meet to empower the community. We went to Patchwork City Farms, which is on the site of Brown Middle School. We also visited Haylene Green, the Garden Queen, who is growing plants from her native Jamaica, like hibiscus sorrel.

Capitol Steps On May 8, Georgia Organics Program Director Michael Wall and Farmer Services Coordinator Donn Cooper met with Chandra Harris, district director for Congressman David Scott, to request that the congressman support the Beginning Farmer & Rancher Opportunity Act. (For more information about the BFROA, go here: http://sustainableagriculture.net/our-work/ beginning-farmer-bill/) Chandra was great, and very receptive, and we look forward to working with her and the Rep. Scott in the future! On May 29, Michael and Donn met with Rep. Austin Scott to thank him for the work he's done on the Farm Bill (he supported the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program). We asked him to continue to support cost shares for organic certification and agricultural conservation programs and were extremely encouraged by his response: "I want to support your industry."

Jefferson, May 6 We hosted a Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Forum for growers in the Jackson County area to meet with the school nutrition directors for Jackson County, Commerce City, and Jefferson City schools. The farmers supplied a list of products they can grow for the schools next year and the directors are planning their produce orders accordingly.

Bluffton, May 1 Anthony-Masterson, the talented team behind "Grow!" was onsite at White Oak Pastures to film two more installments in the Georgia Organics Field Trip! series. Farmer Tripp Eldridge demonstrated fast and efficient post-harvest processing and CSA box packing for the videos.

Americus, April 30 Cafe Campesino hosted a screening of "Grow!" in their new community garden. While we were in the neighborhood, we stopped by Koinonia Farm to film another Field Trip! video with Anthony-Masterson Productions. This one featured Brendan Prendergast talking about biological pecan production.

Support Our Efforts! Become a member of Georgia Organics today!

Presentations Macon, April 25 GO’s Farm to School and Farmer Services staff hosted a table at this year's annual FFA Career and Trade Show. Agriculture students and teachers from across Georgia participated in a "Name the Herb" activity and discussed farm to school programming at their schools. We also talked with students interested in entering the field of organic and sustainable agriculture after graduation.

Demorest, May 3 Students at Wilbanks Middle School had a taste test of Hakurei Turnips from Mill Gap Farm, grown by farmers Amy and Chuck Mashburn. Students first tried a raw sample then moved down the table to where Chef Lindsey of Lindsey's Culinary Market served up her famous Turnip Carrot Gratin. Students ended the tasting by voting their preferences for the turnips. After lunch, Chef Lindsey taught the cafeteria staff how to make the gratin, which was served again the next week as a vegetable in the main cafeteria line.

AROUND THE STATE

April–June 2013

Macon, March 25 Georgia Organics presented at the Georgia Family Connection Partnership (GAFCP) train the trainers workshop in Macon. This workshop was in partnership with PLAY, an initiative out of Georgia State University that focuses on policy change with childhood obesity. The GAFCP has staff in every county, in partnership with many organizations, who work toward healthier children, better graduation rates, improved economic situations for families, and more. They are responsible for developing the plan for the community. Not surprisingly, many counties have become more and more interested in improving childhood obesity statistics. The purpose of this meeting was to “train the trainers.”

Habersham county farm to school pilot program This project is a collaboration between Georgia Organics and the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.

Glenwood, April 22 Georgia Organics' farmer services coordinator Donn Cooper is advising on a SARE grant to remove bermuda grass from Lola's Organic Farm, an organic, unmechanized vegetable farm in Wheeler County. Jerry Larson is leading the research for the grant.

Albany, May 8 -9 In partnership with Southwest Georgia Project, we hosted a community meeting for parents, students, teachers, school nutrition staff, and others interested in farm to school programs in Dougherty County. We also joined them in hosting a Farmers’ Forum for growers in southwest Georgia to meet with the school nutrition director of Dougherty County Schools.

March 27 All 38 teachers at Wilbanks Middle School participated in a GO-led workshop on how to incorporate farm to school into their curriculum. Every teacher will teach at least one lesson in the school garden before the end of the year. May 18, Clarkesville Students and staff from Habersham County participated in the 51st annual Mountain Laurel Festival in Clarkesville, educating the public about and promoting their farm to school program. Students walked in the parade, and school staff gave out a turnip taste test and answered questions in their farm to school booth.

The My Market Club We traveled to six different markets across Georgia to launch the My Market Club, a grant-funded program that will encourage people to support their local farmers by committing to regularly shop at their local farmers markets. Participating markets include: the Decatur Farmers Market, the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market, the Forsyth Farmers Market in Savannah, the Grant Park Farmers Market in Atlanta, Mulberry Street Market in Macon, and the Mainstreet Farmers Market in Statesboro.

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Updating Urban Ag in Atlanta The City of Atlanta will release a new urban agriculture zoning ordinance soon, which is welcome news—Atlanta’s current zoning law is outdated and doesn’t allow for community gardens and farms to thrive. Current city law impedes urban ag by: • Preventing urban agriculture operations from obtaining small business loans. • Blocking urban farmers from getting business licenses. • Refusing to allow farmers and community gardeners to enter into legal land lease agreements. • And, most importantly, creating a risky environment where one complaint may jeopardize an entire project. Farmers markets, community gardens, and urban farms are critical pieces of the city’s communal space. Plus, urban agriculture offers job creation; Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture (TLW), the foremost urban ag operation in Atlanta, employs 35 people. Urban farms are spreading across the city, with many getting national attention for innovation and community service, especially

TLW’s Wheat Street Gardens in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic district. Atlanta also has over 150 community gardens, including 20 through city-initiated community partnerships. Farmers markets are thriving in communities all around the city, providing access to healthy, local food in many areas designated as “food deserts” by the USDA. The Atlanta Public Schools are also working to support local farmers and feed hungry kids healthy food. This year, Atlanta Public Schools will be sourcing their lettuce from an Atlanta-based farming operation on target to

serve nearly 5 million salads with local pesticide-free lettuce grown right here in Atlanta. Atlanta needs to update its zoning code to reflect the true value of these businesses and amenities. Georgia Organics has retained Will Sellers (pictured at left with Georgia Organics Executive Director Alice Rolls) to usher the new urban ag zoning ordinance through the city’s Neighborhood Planning Units (NPU), the city council, and onto the mayor’s desk. Sellers is working alongside the Atlanta Local Food Initiative (ALFI), the city of Atlanta’s Office of Sustainability, Turner Environmental Law Clinic, a network of urban farmers, and other partners. To follow this issue, and to help advocate for the legislation, sign up for the eDirt and Action Alerts at www.georgiaorganics.org and click “Sign Up for E-News” in the top right corner. You can also learn more at www.gogrowatlanta.org. Follow along by checking out “The Daily Dirt,” at www/georgiaorganics.org/news-center/blog/

Adams-Briscoe Seed Company “The ABCʼs of Buying Seed” 325 E. Second St. / P.O. Box 19 Jackson, GA. 30233-0019

Since 1946 Adams-Briscoe Seed Company has been serving agriculture and the seed industry with all types of seeds, many of which are difficult to locate elsewhere. We stock all types of seeds for cover crops, forages, erosion control, wildlife enhancement, vegetables, land reclamation and other uses. As a dealer for National Garden Wholesale we also supply a good assortment of organic fertilizers and plant protection products. Please contact us for a seed and product list. You may visit our website at www.ABSEED.com

Phone: (770) 775-7826 FAX:(770) 775-7122 E-Mail : ABSEED@JUNO.COM Jimmy Adams Mail Orders Welcome * Credit Cards Accepted Greg Adams

to harvest, store, and arrange casual bouquets by doing it with farmer Lynn Pugh. General principles of design will also be covered. Lunch will be seasonal veggies, hopefully, tomato sandwiches. $25.11 a.m.– 1 p.m., (770) 889-3793 5110 Jekyll Rd Cumming, Ga 30040.

Organizations Did you know that you can support Georgia Organics in your company’s employee giving campaign? You can donate to Georgia Organics through EarthShare of Georgia and have a small donation taken out of your paycheck, which adds up to a significant contribution at the end of the year! Call Alice to enroll: 678.702.0400.

Events Calendar For more information, visit www.georgiaorganics.org/events. June 17-28, July 8-19, July 22-August 2 Summer Camp at Truly Living Well, Atlanta Truly Living Well’s Summer Camp at Wheat Street Garden is a place where dirt rocks and compost cooks! The camp promotes environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and self-discovery! Campers ages 6-14 will learn elements of organic gardening while engaging in critical thinking, team building and fun activities. $375 per camper/ per two-week session. Fee includes all activities and daily lunch. Scholarships may be available for those needing financial assistance. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 75 Hilliard Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30312. www.trulylivingwell.com June 29 Innovations In Organic Farming Field Day, Clayton This free field day at Ladybug Farms will highlight progressive on-farm technology involving gravity-fed irrigation systems and solar energy. Doug Towery from NRCS will update attendees on USDA resources, and representatives from Georgia Organics, among others, will present on local and statewide nutrition initiatives. Rain or shine. Optional local farm-fresh lunch provided by Fromage. (706) 897-1676, www. ladybugfarms.net July 10 Flower-Arranging Class at Cane Creek Farm, Cumming You will learn how

Urban homesteading has never been more popular, and Georgia Organics is proud to be the fiscal partner for The Homestead Atlanta, an educational resource that has forged a community around urban homesteading. For the rest of our super-sizzlin' summer curriculum—including indigo dyeing, leather beltmaking, and chances to drive a team a draft-horses—please visit www.TheHomesteadATL.com. June 28 Healthy Animals, Healthy Soil: Rotational Grazing Want to learn how to increase your soil and livestock health all at the same time? Come learn the wonders of rotational grazing at EastWest Farm. Whether you have a small flock of chickens, multiple cows, or are designing a full, integrated homestead, discover all that you need to know from paddocks to fencing. (Show up early for a milking demonstration!) June 29 Hugulkultur: The Self-Watering Garden with a Crazy Name Hugulkultur not only makes you sound cool, but it lets you grow in raised beds that don't need irrigation or fertilization and sequester carbon. Come learn more about this elegantly simple permaculture principle in Piedmont Park with Kevin Frazier.

Georgia Organics members get reduced rates for classes! www.thehomesteadatl.com

July 14 Making Salves and Syrups, Decatur The Funny Farm's Duane Marcus will teach you how to make healing salves for a variety of uses including wound care, lip balms, baby bottoms and overall skin care. You will also learn how to make delicious medicinal syrups you can use alone as tonics or put in teas, in yogurt, on biscuits, pancakes and waffles. All supplies are included in the workshop price, and you'll go home with two salves and one syrup. $75. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., (770) 527-0395, 4459 Allgood Springs Drive, Stone Mountain, GA, 30083. July 18 Honey Harvest Workshop, Statham Each participant will help to harvest the honey from the honeycombs in our hives. Take a taste of honey, comb and all, and see what you think! The majority of the learning comes from hands-on experience. Each family will leave with a “thank you!” jar of honey to take home. $35 Registration: thelazybfarm. com/workshops/honey-harvest July 21 Jct. Kitchen Attack Of The Killer Tomato Festival, Atlanta Some of the South’s best chefs, farmers, and mixologists team up to benefit Georgia Organics. The festival will once again be held at JCT. Kitchen & Bar and will spread out over the pedestrian bridge that connects the two sides of Westside Provisions District to feature 35+ chef participants, 14 mixologist participants, and 30+ farmers. The event will also include live music from The Spazmatics and local chef band Five Bone Rack. $55 for general public, $50 Georgia Organic members. Tickets purchased after July 1 are $70 for everyone.

CONEX Recycling Corporation is one of the Southeast’s leading recycling solutions. Choose Conext to serve your recycling needs for • apartment and condominium communities • small businesses, major corporations & government entities • hotels, hospitals & campuses • and special events!

MAKE YOUR PLANTS WANT TO GROW! Pure Earthworm Castings OMRI-certified • Listed Organic

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