Jason and Haruka's Carrots
One of the many bonuses about having CCCC’s Sustainable Agriculture program located in Chatham County, is the sheer amount of support, resources, and energy happening around local food. Chatham County is home to over 1000 farms, four farmer’s markets and a regional farm tour. The number of small farms is growing. A great way to look at some of these is to check out the farm tour sponsored by Chatham Center of the NC Cooperative Extension Association. Here’s some farm profiles:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/SustAg/farmprofiles.html
The most energetic resource we have is our Sustainable Agriculture Extension Agent, Debbie Roos, M.S. She has won numerous awards for her outstanding service to local farmers, for her work on local, organic, and sustainable initiatives throughout the region. The above link goes to her site, Growing Small Farms. It provides a wealth of information both to farmers and consumers alike.
Cathy Jones and Debbie Roos
Debbie sponsors great Continuing Education Workshops at the County Extension Office. Click through to check out recent offerings:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/SustAg/workshops.html
Part of the existing landscape here is the Piedmont Biofuels phenomena. There is so much to say about the folks over there, that i can’t begin to do them justice. They offer workshops, farm tours, assist with farm incubation projects to help stabilize our local foodshed, all while maintaining a primary focus on biodiesel. Learn more about them in their own words here: http://www.biofuels.coop/industrial/our-story/
Piedmont Biofuels is an incredible resource to the community. The founder, Lyle Estill, is author of the book
, Small is Possible: Life in a Local Economy. This lovely piece of work chronicles Lyle’s life in this area, and what it’s like to be involved as an activist in a small community striving for sustainability and self- sufficiency.
If you want to read it, buy from here: http://theabundancefoundation.org/programs. and support another local business. The Abundance Foundation is a local non-profit whose mission champions projects involving local food, renewable energy and community. Seed saving initiatives, local currency, vermiculture, and fundraising are but a few of the activities that keep Abundance busy and integrated into the community fabric here.
Community newcomers Jason and Haruka Oatis fit right in with their incubator farm Edible Earthscape: http://edibleearthscape.wordpress.com
In just a few short years, they’ve done some great experiments growing rice and bananas, now ginger and turmeric in addition to their stunning produce. Their greens supply at least one local restaurant, Angelina’s Kitchen, and they market at North Hills Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
Veteran Farmers are essential to ensuring the success of the future. Our own Doug Jones was recently awarded the Farmer of the Year award at the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association’s 24th Sustainable Agriculture Conference this past weekend. Doug is a seed saving activist and pepper breeder, and has 39 years of farming expertise to share. He is involved in seed trials for Seeds of Change. Congratulations Doug!
Speaking of activism, this post would not be complete without a shout out to RAFI-USA, the Rural Advancement Foundation International. Another non-profit active in assisting family farms in the arenas of policy, marketing, environmental and social justice. Visit them here:
http://www.rafiusa.org/Being a part of the sustainable agriculture community is a rewarding and vibrant experience. Whether you farm or are involved in biodiesel or non-profit activities, there’s a place for you to let your talents shine.
