Sustainable Agriculture: Programs

Organic Production

Organic production is usually thought of as growing foods or fibers without the use of synthetic fertilizers or synthetic pesticides, or in the case of animals without using extra hormones or antibiotics.  In reality, organic production is a system of practices that relies on biological cycles to minimize diseases and pests, and to help maintain fertility.  Take a look at the definition below from the USDA National Organic Standards Board.

“Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.”

Although many farmers may use practices that are also used in organic production, for a farmer to market their products as organic, they have to be in compliance with the requirements of the National Organic Program.  In addition, growers in Georgia must register with the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Read more >>

The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has several ongoing efforts in organic production. Click on the links below to learn more.

Links

• Certified Organic
• Organic Production Systems
• Georgia Specific Information
  • Sustainable and Organic Production Team
  • Peanuts (Contact - Dr. Scott Tubbs or Dr. Albert Culbreath)
  • Onions (Contact - Dr. George Boyhan)
  • Vegetables (Contact - Dr. George Boyhan or Dr. Juan Carlos Diaz)
  • Blueberries (Contact - Dr. Gerard Krewer)
  • Other small fruits (Contact - Jerald Larson, Fort Valley State University)
• Southeastern US Specific Information
  • Organic Grain and Field Crop Production (North Carolina State University)
  • Sustainable Vegetable Production (North Carolina State University)
  • Organic Production - Small Farms Alternative Enterprises (University of Florida)
  • Organic and Sustainable Production - Growing Small Farms (North Carolina Cooperative Extension)
  • Organic Vegetable Production in Alabama (Auburn University)
• Organic Agriculture Certificate Program

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