Southern SAWG takes a regional approach to creating a sustainable agricultural system — one that is ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just and humane. For us, a regional approach means the following: 1) We aid and support organizations and individuals who are working toward a sustainable farm and food system in their own states and communities; 2) We perform functions and hold events that work best on a regional level. We are actively working on several fronts. Here are some highlights.
CONFERENCE
Southern SAWG holds the Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference, an annual January event that provides a forum to learn about sustainable farming techniques and marketing strategies, community food systems, and federal farm policies and programs that promote sustainable agriculture. This event also provides producers, researchers, information providers, concerned consumers and community organizers the opportunity to build networks, strengthen alliances, and celebrate the achievements of Southern sustainable farmers.
For more information, go to the Conference page.
VIRTUAL FARM TOURS
Southern SAWG has developed a series of videos, available on DVD, called Natural Farming Systems in the South. This series began through a partnership with the USDA's Risk Management Agency. Each of these high-quality videos takes the viewer to one farm, gives you an understanding of the whole farming system from planning through production and marketing, and gives a closer look at unique components. The series features small-scale organic vegetable and flower farms, pasture-based poultry, dairy and beef operations. To learn more about these virtual farm tours and the teaching guides that accompany them, go to the Resources page on this website.
COMMUNITY FOOD SYSTEMS
Southern SAWG has put an increased emphasis on developing sustainable food systems in the Southern U.S. — systems that connect farmers who are practicing stewardship to consumers who are supportive of sustainable farming practices. Activities include educational sessions at our annual conference and support for local community efforts.
FARM POLICY EDUCATION
Through Farm Policy Education, Southern SAWG increases political and institutional support for sustainable agriculture. We do this by educating constituents and decision makers; empowering constituents to promote sustainable agriculture to their representatives; monitoring and taking action to ensure agriculture programs are conducted with transparency and accountability; and representing Southern sustainable agriculture priorities at the national level.
We partner with the National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture and other sustainable agriculture advocates to create and secure congressional support for new initiatives to positively impact federal agriculture, food and environmental policy.
DEVELOP EMERGING, GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP
We help Southern producers and other grassroots supporters of sustainable agriculture become leaders by inviting individuals emerging in our network to be presenters at the Southern SAWG conference, participants in policy organizing and educational activities, representatives on USDA program committees, members of Southern SAWG program committees, members of the Southern SAWG Board of Directors, and/or contact people in their locales and states to aid the exchange of critical information between Southern SAWG and our grassroots constituents.
It is because Southern SAWG considers it necessary to have the talents and expertise of producers and grassroots individuals actively engaged in creating a better food and fiber systems for this country that we provide these new avenues for these individuals to develop skills, share ideas and make a difference.
PROMOTING COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE FARMERS, CONSUMERS & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
The Southern SAWG program managers and volunteer leaders communicate and partner with hundreds of organizations across the South, through our regular outreach and project work.
We maintain a database of several thousand individuals and organizations that receive timely notifications about important activities and opportunities within Southern SAWG region and the sustainable agriculture movement in the South. Our email distribution list allows us to get time-sensitive information to hundreds of Southern SAWG constituents quickly. With our email distribution list and this website, we have created avenues that allow us to exchange information with grassroots constituents more readily.
We recognize not everyone uses the internet yet — that farmers are being left behind in this electronic divide. Our Internet-Based Services program helps more farmers get access to and learn how to take advantage of the free networking, educational and marketing opportunities available through the internet.
TAKING ROOT
The work of Southern SAWG and other sustainable agriculture organizations is taking root. A new food and fiber system is being created — one that provides safe and nutritious food for everyone, healthy ecosystems, vibrant rural economies and viable family farms.
To comment on our work or to learn how you can become involved in these exciting programs and activities, contact us, info@ssawg.org.
