Georgia Organics

Want a head start on planning October Farm to School Month with standards-based lessons, facts sheets, activities, taste tests, and recipes for your school? Today is the day! ParSLAY the Day resources are now online! 🎊🌿

Visit our website at bit.ly/parslaythedaysignup to register! 🔗 Upon sign up, you will receive more information on accessing all of these FREE parsley-licious resources! Join the party today! 🕺

Hey farmers! Visit Lola's Organic Farm in Glenwood, GA on Tuesday, August 13th from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. for a dual workshop on certified organic farming and growing organic fruit!

Learn about the importance of organic farming as it pertains to land stewardship and cultivating a healthy environment for growing our food, plus tips on organic farming strategies including:
➡️ Cover crops
➡️ Crop rotations
➡️ Fertility management
➡️ Mulch
➡️ Fertility management
➡️ And a lesson on how to design an orchard!🍊

Register by August 12th by emailing [email protected].

We at Georgia Organics are proud to recognize the Georgia farmers who have grown and harvested the juicy fruit that will be the stars of , this Sunday, July 28th!

Some of our participating farms include:

🍅 Fry Farm • Bethlehem, Georgia
🍅 Grow Where You Are • Atlanta, Georgia
🍅 Love is Love Farm • Mansfield, Georgia
🍅 Woodland Gardens Organic Farm • Athens, Georgia
🍅 Diamond Hill Farm • Athens, Georgia
🍅 Peach Tree Farm • Norcross, Georgia
🍅 Levity Farms • Blairsville, Georgia
🍅 Hickory Hill Farm Carlton GA • Cedartown, Georgia
🍅 William Lobb of Stoke Farm • Atlanta, Georgia
🍅 Straight from the Backyard Farm • Good Hope, Georgia
🍅 West Georgia Farmer's Cooperative • Hamilton, Georgia
🍅 Furrowed Earth Farm • Orchard Hill, Georgia
🍅 Littlefoxfarm • Dallas, Georgia
🍅 Moore Farms and Friends • Moore, Georgia
🍅 Narrow Way Farm • McDonough, Georgia

We thank these farmers caring for the land, filling our tables, and supplying our favorite local restaurants with fresh produce—we cannot wait to gather, eat, drink, and have FUN in support of all they do!

Food and farm adventures await… Bidding open now! 🔗 bit.ly/AKTF2024Auction

If you love and being on the pulse of what’s happening in Georgia’s food movement, you’re not going to want to miss the opportunity to bid on these incredible items and experiences.
Now online, this year’s auction is your chance to win:
🧑‍🌾A backyard Farmers Feast with Jon Jackson of Comfort Farms
🍽️An in-home dinner with Chef Joey Ward of Georgia Boy and Southern Belle
🏀A sports package with chances to see Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta United FC and Atlanta Braves

And more! Plus this year, you don’t have to attend to get in on the action. Bidding starts online and ends at the live event; this is a fun and unique way to make a significant investment in Georgia’s local and organic farm community. Visit the auction page above to learn more and bid on these juicy items—the highest bidder wins!

Calling all farmers! 📣 Coalition for Food Security, led by Ponix Farms, is implementing a USDA grant as part of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program—the goal is to support 24 new hydroponic farmers in Georgia by providing start-up capital for hydroponic systems, sales, marketing, and training support.

This initiative offers unique incentives and access to distribution networks, promoting eco-friendly lettuce production that benefits both the community and environment. Plus, you keep all profits. The application deadline is Aug, 1! Get started today and submit your interest by visiting cfs.ponixfarms.com 🔗

Food and farm adventures await… Bidding open now! 🔗 bit.ly/AKTF2024Auction

If you love and being on the pulse of what's happening in Georgia's food movement, you're not going to want to miss the opportunity to bid on these incredible items and experiences.
Now online, this year's auction is your chance to win:
🧑‍🌾A backyard Farmers Feast with Jon Jackson of Comfort Farms
🍽️An in-home dinner with Chef Joey Ward of Georgia Boy and Southern Belle
🏀A sports package chances to see Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Braves, and Atlanta United FC.

And more! Plus this year, you don’t have to attend to get in on the action. Bidding starts online and ends at the live event; this is a fun and unique way to make a significant investment in Georgia's local and organic farm community. Visit the auction page above to learn more and bid on these juicy items—the highest bidder wins!

This year, we are sharing the parsley recipes with YOU! You can make healthy meals using this nutritious, tasty herb with standardized recipes for taste tests, individuals, and cafeteria menus. When you sign up for this year’s campaign, ParSLAY the Day, you will have free access to recipes, facts sheets, activities, and standards-based lesson plans! Sign up at (bit.ly/parslaythedaysignup) for access.

We can’t wait to see the recipes you create!

Thank you to everyone who came out yesterday for Heirloom Tomatoes are Killer! We all had a blast sampling this season's harvest of heirloom, sungold, Martha Washington, and more tomato varieties from Cosmos Farm and Our Apothecary! 🍅☀️👵We also got a sneak peek of what AKTF participants Brown Girl Mixers and Cheffreys Kitchen will be bringing to the big tomato showdown on July 28, not to mention a chance to face off the fearsome tomato puppets by Julia Hill! Thanks most of all to our partners at Slow Food Atlanta, A Sip of Paradise Garden and Community Farmers Markets for making this kick off to tomato season such a success! And if you didn't get your fill yesterday and are ready to come back for seconds, buy your tickets for NOW at bit.ly/aktf2024 🔗 Sunday, July 28 from 3 PM - 6 PM at Westside Motor Lounge!

Calling all farmers! On July 19 from 9 AM - 4 PM, join the Georgia Women In Ag. - NWIAA in Uvalda, GA at Farmer Millz Farm and JM Coleman Farms for a FREE Field Day! This field day will focus on how to incorporate plasticulture, drip irrigation technique, and conservation practices, and more into your farm operation, and is sure to be an enriching experience for all climate-conscious farmers in attendance.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate agriculture. RSVP at bit.ly/gwiaafieldday or scan the QR code to secure your spot.

Join Georgia Organics and Slow Food Atlanta at the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market on Thursday, July 11 from 4pm - 7pm for Cast Iron & Collards Society: Heirloom Tomatoes Are Killer!

At A Sip of Paradise Garden, prepare to add some “killer” vibes to your market experience. This Thursday you can enjoy tomato-based cocktails and shrubs, giant killer tomato puppets by artist Julia Hill, a live DJ, and other surprises. And of course, come with an appetite to sample some luscious heirloom tomato varieties from Cosmos Farm and Our Apothecary.

This market takeover will get you thinking all-things-tomato as we continue our month-long celebration of Georgia’s juiciest fruit! 🍅

Photo: Jenna Shea Photography.

Next Thursday, July 11th at 9 AM, learn from the organic farmers at Brown's Place Farm in Grovetown, GA as they share their farming histories, discuss the benefits of organic agriculture in Georgia, and how to get started with organic farming. After the learning session stay around for the on-site farm tour of Browns Place Farm.

This event is a great opportunity for farmers and gardeners and FREE to all who register by Monday, July 8. Email [email protected] to sign up! 📧

📣LAST CALL FOR SESSION PROPOSALS📣

TOMORROW is your last chance to submit session proposals for SOWTH 2025! We are welcoming farmers and food advocates from across the Southern United States and territories, including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, to share their knowledge and experience.

At SOWTH 2025, we aim to foster meaningful connections within the regional food community while emphasizing the importance of farmers in advancing long-term climate action. We seek proposals for educational sessions and workshops advancing equity, farmer prosperity, and climate resilience in agriculture—will you join the call?

Please submit your proposals at bit.ly/pitchasession before the deadline of 11:59 PM EST on Friday, June 28.

📣1 WEEK LEFT - SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSALS📣

Time is almost up to submit your session proposals for SOWTH 2025! The stage is set for you to share experience and knowledge with farmers and food advocates from across the Southern United States and territories, including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico!

The deadline to apply is one week from today, next Friday, June 28 at 11:59 PM EST. Visit www.georgiaorganics.org/call-for-proposals for more information on what we're looking for in a session proposal and submit your application at bit.ly/pitchasession (link in bio! 🔗)

ATTENTION! Southern SARE is seeking nominations to fill a new Equity, Justice, and Food Sovereignty Seat on the Administrative Council. The Equity, Justice, and Food Sovereignty member is a representative with a focus on farming and equity, food and nutrition access, land access, seed sovereignty, farmer and farmworker welfare, and the intersectionality of community wellbeing, justice, and food systems.

The seat is open to farmer leaders and farm workers, leaders in community-based organizations and the non-profit sector, and ag professionals at academic institutions. Application deadline (either to apply or to nominate an individual) is July 1. Visit bit.ly/SSAREnominations to learn more 🔗

On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their liberation, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation and two months after the Confederate surrender. Today, on , we celebrate the liberation, resilience, and cultural achievements of Black Americans, who have made innumerable contributions to the agricultural history of the United States and shaped its legacy. Join our friends at the Farmers Market Coalition () on Instagram in uplifting the community building efforts made by Black leaders and learn more about the power of partnerships by giving them a follow as they continue to share initiatives throughout the week 💚

Our Juneteenth campaign celebrates the value of partnership and it is a collaboration between Farmers Market Coalition and SageD Consulting (we delivered the Anti-Racist Farmers Market Toolkit previously).

Each day, we’ll highlight initiatives connected to a larger commitment to community. As you acknowledge the significance of the Black experience in the United States, we encourage you to recognize the contributions made by Black leaders and Black-led organizations in your own neighborhoods. Invite them to join you as contributors—and partners—in community building!!

Credits:
Sagdrina on Daufuski Island with Salle Ann Robinson and other local food system leaders

Are you growing parsley this season and looking for opportunities to connect with Early Care and Education (ECE) Centers and School Nutrition Departments? Then sign up now to be a featured grower during our upcoming October Farm to School Month Campaign—ParSLAY the Day! 🪩🌿

This campaign is a great way to build connections with local schools wanting to increase their local food purchasing and to showcase your business. Participating growers will be highlighted in our resources and communication channels that reach our extensive network of education professionals and school personnel across Georgia.

Interested? Complete this form at bit.ly/parsleyfarmerswanted.

All farmers who complete this form and participate in this campaign will receive a FREE Par-SLAY the Day T-shirt this fall!

Last week, Georgia Organics joined forces with the Pinewood Springs Farm team to plant 5,000 sweet potato slips! 🍠🍠🍠Varieties planted were Murasaki, Bayou Belle and Purple Majesty. Our staff was delighted to get their hands muddy get rooted in the work Georgia farmers do day in and day out. 💪

Lauren Cox, Director of Farmer Services at Georgia Organics, shared, "I'm excited that we'll be doing these workdays on a consistent basis as it will keep us centered in our work. Building those relationships over time is what's most important along with really getting to know and understand our farmers." Looking forward to our next work day!

Georgia Organics is partnering with the Rodale Institute on a historic research grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to expand resilient farming practices in the Southeast and study the effect of climate-smart methods on soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental factors. As a partner in the Southern Piedmont Climate Smart Project (SPCSP), Georgia Organics continues its commitment to pursue impactful, climate-conscious research opportunities for farmers.

To learn more about the Southern Piedmont Climate Smart Project and to see how our Georgia farms are contributing to the research, visit: https://bit.ly/gofsspcsp

📷 Photo Courtesy of Rodale Institute.

Can you parsley wait to celebrate October Farm to School Month this year? Then what are you waiting for?! You can sign up for this year’s campaign right here at bit.ly/parslaythedaysignup🔗

When you sign up, you will receive access to our online toolkit filled with parsley-themed activities, GA standards-based lesson plans, recipes, and facts sheets, perfect for school nutrition, educators, and parents alike. All resources will be available in late July—until then, thank you for taking part in the local food movement! 🪩🌿💚

📣2 WEEKS LEFT - SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSALS📣

The stage is set for you to share experience and knowledge with farmers and food advocates from across the Southern United States and territories, including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico—submit a session proposal for SOWTH 2025!

The deadline to apply has been extended to Friday, June 28 at 11:59 PM EST. Visit www.georgiaorganics.org/call-for-proposals for more information on what we're looking for in a session proposal and submit your application at bit.ly/pitchasession 🔗

👋 Volunteers wanted!

The Killer Tomatoes are back for TWO epic tomato-tasting events in July! Georgia Organics needs your support to make this season another one to remember.

7/11 - Heirloom Tomatoes Are Killer at the East Atlanta Farmer’s Market.

7/28 - Attack of the Killer Tomato Fest returns for it’s 13th year Westside Motor Lounge!

Volunteers are needed to support many different, exciting parts of both events! Check out these volunteer opportunities (including the perks you’ll receive as a volunteer!) at https://bit.ly/aktf2024volunteer! 🔗☝️

Georgia Organics is hosting an Organic Growers Farmer Field Day (OGFFD) on Monday, July 1, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Oxford College Farm in Oxford, GA. Organic Growers Farmer Field Days are educational workshops specifically geared towards transitioning and Certified Organic farmers.

The field day will begin with a farm tour led by Daniel Parson, a farmer-educator with over 25 years of Certified Organic farming experience. Afterwards, three educational sessions will take place, with researchers and experts from UGA Entomology and UGA Extension presenting, including Dr. William Snyder, Dr. Alton Sparks, Carly Sharp, and Gabrielle LaTora.

Registration is full, but the waitlist is open! Visit bit.ly/fsogffdjuly24 by Monday, June 24 to register for the waitlist and claim a ticket if a spot opens up! 🎟️

In an effort to improve food security and access for West Georgia children and families, Georgia Organics, Farmers Fresh CSA, and Community Action For Improvement, Inc. (CAFI) announce the launch of West Georgia Family Farm Share.

This innovative Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program aims to connect Georgians five years old and under with fresh, healthy produce while educating families on preparing and enjoying their weekly bounty from West Georgia farmers. Kimberly Koogler, Community Collaborations Manager at Georgia Organics shared, “In addition to my role at Georgia Organics, I am also a West Georgia-based farmer myself. I know how rewarding it is to grow and sell food within your own community. Georgia Organics is enthusiastic about working with our new West Georgia partners to nurture a new market outlet and foster community connections.”

We are so excited to see the expansion of Family Farm Share program and look forward to seeing the local food movement grow throughout the state, connecting more farms and food to our communities! 🚜👨‍👩‍👧

Join the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association for a three-part virtual workshop on the basics of organic certification, organic farming practices, and things to consider before becoming certified!

This informative series takes place on Mondays starting June 10 from 1 - 3 p.m. EST. Registration is free and required to attend. Visit news.oeffa.org/organics-101 to learn more and sign up today! 🔗