in this section> planning > production > harvest & post-harvest handling > livestock processing > marketing

grower resources

Planning
Introduction to the National Organic Program
Organic Certification
Record Keeping
Other Resources

production
General sustainable production information:
ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas)
Organic Farming Research Foundation
USDA Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education
Growing Small Farms Sustainable Agriculture Website
NC Specialty Crops Program
USDA Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
Center for Environmental Farming Systems
NC State Organic Resource Guide
New England Small Farm Institute
The Rodale Institute
CFSA Educational Events

Seed production guides:
Saving Our Seed Project: Production guides

Organic Transplant Providers:

Certified Organic
Singing Turtle Farms, Sharon Funderburk 1365 Lee Johnson Road, Dunn, NC 28334	(919)853-2716 rarebirdn@mindspring.com
Youngs Mill Farm, Melanie Hernandez Atlanta, GA area	(404)625-4744 melanie@youngsmillfarm.com, http://www.youngsmillfarm.com/
Windcrest Farm, Mary Roberts 518 Greenfield Drive, Monroe, NC 28112	(704)764-7746 http://www.windcrestorganics.com
Rocking S Farm, Alan Souther Piney Creek, NC (Alleghany County)	(336)359-8324 rockingsfarm@yahoo.com
Transitioning to Organic
Appalachian Native Plants Inc.*, Tamara McNaughton 676 Waddell Rd., Mountain City, TN 37683	(423)727-4264 http://www.appalachiannativeplants.com
*certification expected by Spring 2009

 Harvest & Post-Harvest
There are several excellent guides on best post-harvest handling practices for organically produced fruits and vegetables available on the web. Some of our picks include:

Publisher	Related websites or documents
North Carolina State University	Guide to Postharvest Handling and Cooling of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, and Flowers for Small Farms: Part I: Quality Maintenance, Part II: Cooling, Part III: Handling, Part IV: Mixed Loads, Packaging Requirements For Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
ATTRA: Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas	Organic Farming and Post-Harvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables
University of California	Post-Harvest Handling for Organic Crops
Center for Environmental Farming Systems	Resources for Small Farm Post-Harvest Handling

 Livestock processing

Publisher	Related websites or documents
Heifer International, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, and NC Choices	Frequently Asked Questions about Processing and Marketing Beef, Pork, Lamb and Goat Meats In North Carolina and South Carolina

marketing
The following organizations and websites offer some of the best resources, guides and tools for developing your farm’s marketing plan:

CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture)
North Carolina A&T University Cooperative Extension's:
Understanding CSAs: A Grower Guide

Food & Farm Locators
CFSA’s Carolina Guide to Local & Organic Food
Local Harvest
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP)
Food Routes

Restaurants
Tips for Marketing to Restaurants, Chatham County NC Cooperative Extension

Wholesale
Eastern Carolina Organics
Tips for Marketing to Retailers, Chatham County NC Cooperative Extension