Certified Organic Grain Production Extension Programs in North Carolina.

Certified organic grain production is a small but expanding sector of grain crop production in North Carolina, with approximately 1000 ha certified and an additional 1000 ha in transition. A multidisciplinary team composed of members with expertise in production, marketing, organic farming, and organizational development is managing extension programs to enhance adoption of certified organic grain production. A series of projects has been funded by the Z. Smith-Reynolds Foundation; the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation; the Golden Leaf Foundation, Inc.; the Corn Growers’ Association of North Carolina, Inc.; the North Carolina Soybean Growers Association, Inc.; and the USDA-SARE program. Our farmer and industry advisory panel identified access to market information, soil fertility management, and weed management as major issues. A production guide and website are available (http://www.organicgrains.ncsu.edu/), and three field days in 2007 attracted a total of 185 attendees. Educational meetings are also used to present research results, introduce producers to market opportunities and grain buyers, and as a forum to plan future activities. In 2008, a multi-state bus tour will visit selected organic farms in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.