For Growers

CFSA Programs and Resources For Growers

 

NEW: Organic Produce Marketing Survey

This groundbreaking CFSA study finds a  $7.3 Million gap between supply and demand for key organic crops.

 

NEW: Organic Transition Handbook for Produce Farmers

This handbook is designed to help farmers breeze through the organic certification process.  It includes key information about and resources on organic certification, recordkeeping, allowed and prohibited substances, developing an organic system plan, soil fertility and pest management, and marketing. 

 

NEW: CFSA Growing Your Local Food Business: A Guide to Laws and Regulations (2012)

South Carolina Regulatory Guide

North Carolina Regulatory Guide

A guide written for beginning and established farmers to help them understand the many federal and state laws and regulations that govern the production and sale of local foods. Specific sections provide outline requirements for farm-scale production and sale of meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, raw fruits & vegetables, honey, and low-risk manufactured foods (e.g., pickles and jams).

 

Organic and Non-GMO Feed and Hay Sources

Sourcing organic and non-GMO feed and hay for livestock is a major challenge for farmers and homesteaders alike. In response, we have assembled a list of farms and businesses that offer these products in the Carolinas.

Organic Production Handbook

This handbook includes invaluable information about organic practices, NOP regulations, EQIP conservation practices that support organic operations, organic nutrient management, ecological weed management, and a list of key resources for organic growers in the Carolinas.

Applying for the EQIP-Organic Initiative 

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) – Organic Initiative is a federal cost-share program to help organic and transitioning farmers implement conservation practices on their land. Read this informative page to learn about application requirements and deadlines, download necessary forms, and connect with NRCS Staff in the Carolinas.

Organic Carolinas Initiative

Learn about CFSAs commitment to increase organic farmers’ access to technical support, organic inputs, and marketing opportunities in the Carolinas.

Local Produce Safety Initiative

Are you a small-scale grower concerned about marketing to wholesale and institutional buyers that require GAP certification? Read about our efforts to make GAP certification practical and cost effective through training, cost share and a GAP manual in-development for small operations.

Internship Referral Service

Post your farm internship openings. Listing services are available to North Carolina and South Carolina CFSA farm members seeking interns.

Local Food Finder

CFSA’s Local Food Finder is a centralized online directory for businesses and consumers to find local foods – with diverse content including photos, video, and social media links. CFSA members receive a listing for free – just one of the many benefits of a CFSA membership.

Grower Events

Check our Events Calendar for upcoming workshops, farm tours, our Sustainable Agriculture Conference and other grower-focused opportunities.