Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association is the leading organic farm-advocacy and organic certifier for North and South Carolina. It is also called CFSA. CFSA is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit membership comprising some 750 farmers, gardeners, businesses and organic agriculture enthusiasts in North and South Carolina who are committed to sustainable agriculture and the development of locally-based, organic food distribution systems.
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[edit] History
In 1979 by a group of farmers, gardeners and consumers began CFSA to support each other in their efforts to foster the growth and distribution of organic food in the Carolinas. CFSA became official by incorporating in 1982 and developed an organic certification program in 1987 and assisted the general cultural relevancy, and the legal status of, organic agriculture. CFSA has been housed in the piedmont region of North Carolina and has been situated in Pittsboro, North Carolina, in Chatham County most of its existence. In 2002, CFSA ceased organic certification activity. The USDA National Organic Program prohibits entities that conduct organic certification services from consulting and educational activities. CFSA determined that their service providing education and advocacy for organic and sustainable agriculture was their primary focus, and dropped their certification program. Organic certification services in North Carolina is now being offered by the North Carolina Crop Improvement Association (NCCIA).
[edit] Organization
CFSA has chapter-organized members, Chapter leadership, and a 15 member board for CFSA itself.[1] Tony Kleese has been it's Executive Director for many years. Tony has recently stepped aside; the new Executive Director is Roland McReynolds.
[edit] Newsletter
Issues of the CFSA Newsletter back to 2004 are available online for free. Earlier issues can be requested.
[edit] Services
- Annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference
- Regional Farm Tours
- Regional Consumer Guides to local and organic food
- Regional Organic Growers Schools
- Active Regional Chapters
- Bi-monthly Stewardship News newsletter
- Annual Membership Directory, Online and in Print
- Intern Referral Service
- Elementary School Sustainable Gardening Curriculum
- Organic Certification Education
- Policy advocacy at the local and national level
- Research on marketing and production of organic crops
- Public and media outreach
[edit] External links
- Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE) is a land-grant university based legaly instituted research support for sustainable agriculture practices.
