Multifaceted Organic Grain Extension Programming 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 500 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-CIG program.  Our programs have been directed by a farmer and industry advisory panel which identified key issues (market information, soil fertility management, and weed management) and program delivery preferences (websites http://www.organicgrains.ncsu.edu/,  regional target farm development, field days, meetings with both presentation and roundtable formats,  a multi-state bus tour).  Ongoing efforts are directed towards enhancing cost-share program opportunities and evaluating reduced tillage and legume cover crop management.