Organic farming practices are prevalent on the West Coast, Midwest and Northeast, but transition and adoption lags in the Southeast U.S. for several reasons, including pest and disease pressures, financial inequality and a lack of appropriate support for organic researchers and producers. Farmers in the Southeast often lack adequate access to resources that could increase organic production in this region.
This convening event will focus on bringing together stakeholders from across the Southeast. The goal is to create a dynamic space for discussion among organic and organic-aligned producers and researchers at 1890s universities, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) organic farming communities, farmer groups and other federal and non-federal partners.
The in-person convening builds upon the outcomes of the December 2023 virtual event, which identified the following barriers and opportunities unique to the Southeast:
- The role of consumer education and market development
- The need for increased communication, education and outreach
- The need for cultural competence
- The need for resources and research funding to address challenges
The event will be held in conjunction with the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) in Montgomery, Alabama on November 15-17, 2024. There will be multiple panel discussions with producers as well as non-profits and government representatives, followed by breakout groups to discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities for BIPOC growers in the organic space.
More details will follow on this page closer to the event.