Organic Agricultural Products: Marketing and Trade Resources Series, Guide 7
About this Series:
This research guide is one of seven in the Organic Agricultural Products: Marketing and Trade Resources
series. Each guide is a subject-oriented compilation that focuses on a separate
type of information or research source. [More...]
There are many organizations that support, in some fashion, commercial organic enterprises. Support may be in the form of information, networking, or financial assistance. This chapter presents representative organizations, along with selected directories and links to enable the searcher to find additional support organizations most relevant to his/her enterprise and geographic location.
NOTE: Many other support resources are documented in the other 6 Guides in this series.
Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Organizations
Organic and sustainable agriculture professional, consumer, research and trade groups can provide excellent opportunities for learning and networking membership throughand membership lists, referrals, sponsored events and publications, and local directories.
Comprehensive directories
1. Sustainable Agriculture Organizations and Information Providers.
Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC), National Agricultural Library, 2007.
Directory: http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/agnic/susagorgs.shtml (accessed 2/26/08) Description: U.S. national and regional groups involved in research, outreach, advocacy, marketing and production.
2. Sustainable Agriculture Organizations and Publications.
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
Directory: http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/susagorg.php (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “This list of sustainable agriculture grassroots groups, nonprofits, and agencies is updated annually. State-by-state contacts for a broadly defined sustainable agriculture community are included to facilitate networking.” [Web site]
Selected organizations of special interest to organic business and marketing enterprises
3. Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC).
Iowa State University. Note: Ask A Specialist request form: http://www.agmrc.org/agmrc/askspecialist.aspx
Contact: 866-277-5567 (toll free); fax 515-294-9496; e-mail agmrc@iastate.edu
Homepage: http://www.agmrc.org (accessed 2/26/08) Description: National resource for producers interested in value-added agriculture. This USDA supported center offers detailed information on many kinds of market niches and farm enterprises and how to get started. It also offers directories of expertise and assistance, and tools for business planning and marketing.
4. Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Library.
Contact: 10301 Baltimore Avenue, Room 132, Beltsville MD 20705-2351; 301-504-6559; TDD 301-504-6856; fax 301-504-6409; e-mail afsic@nal.usda.gov
Homepage: http://afsic.nal.usda.gov/ (accessed 2/26/08) Description: Library services and reference publications from the USDA National Agricultural Library.
5. ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).
Contact: PO Box 3657, Fayetteville AR 72702; 800-346-9140 (toll free); 800-411-3222 (toll free, Espanol); e-mail form http://attra.ncat.org/ask.html (Ask a Sustainable Agriculture Expert).
Homepage: http://attra.ncat.org/ (accessed 2/26/08) Description: Provides hundreds of free publications on organic and small-scale production and marketing, as well technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, Extension agents, educators, and others involved in sustainable agriculture.
6. Center for Rural Affairs.
Contact: 402-687-2100 (NE); fax 402-687-2200; e-mail info@cfra.org
Homepage: http://www.cfra.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “A private, non-profit organization...working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities.” [Web site] Projects include Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) and Rural Opportunities and Stewardship Program.
7. Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC).
Contact: 310-822-5410 (CA); fax 310-822-1440; e-mail andy@foodsecurity.org
Homepage: http://www.foodsecurity.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Seeking “to develop self-reliance among all communities in obtaining their food and to create a system of growing, manufacturing, processing, making available, and selling food that is regionally based and grounded in the principles of justice, democracy, and sustainability.” [Web site] Includes Farm-to-School Program support.
8. Farmland Information Center/Library (FIC).
American Farmland Trust (AFT).
Homepage: http://www.farmlandinfo.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Clearinghouse for information about farmland protection and stewardship. Find sources for Federal Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program allocations; agricultural district programs; collected laws and many resources listed by state.
9. The Food Alliance (TFA).
Contact: 503-493-1066 (OR); fax 503-493-1069; e-mail info@foodalliance.org
Homepage: http://www.foodalliance.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “Food Alliance is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable agriculture by recognizing and rewarding farmers who produce food in environmentally friendly and socially responsible ways, and educating consumers and others in the food system about the benefits of sustainable agriculture.” TFA also administers a comprehensive third-party certification program, Food Alliance Certified.
10. Holistic Management International (formerly the Savory Center).
Contact: 505-842-5252 (NM); e-mail hmi@holisticmanagement.org
Homepage: http://www.holisticmanagement.org/ (accessed 2/26/08) Description: Non-profit promoting land resource management that restores land to health and profitability through education and training in Holistic Management.
11. Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP).
Contact: 612-870-0453 (MN); fax 612-870-4846; e-mail iatp@iatp.org
Homepage: http://www.iatp.org (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy promotes resilient family farms, rural communities and ecosystems around the world through research and education, science and technology, and advocacy.” [Mission Statement]
12. Institute for Food Laws and Regulations (IFLR).
Michigan State University.
Contact: 517-355-8295 (MI); fax 517-432-1492.
Homepage: http://www.iflr.msu.edu/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “Dedicated to providing a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the international food trade through our Study Abroad Program, Internet Food Law Certificate Program, workshops, lectures and seminars.” [Web site]
13. North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA).
Contact: 888-884-9270 (toll free); 413-529-0386 (MA); fax 413-529-9101; e-mail Kelly@WhiteLoafRidge.com (Communications Director).
Homepage: http://www.nafdma.com/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Non-profit membership organization “fostering growth throughout the farm direct marketing community.” [Web site] Publications and annual conference.
14. The Organic Center.
Homepage: http://www.organic-center.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “To generate credible, peer reviewed scientific information and communicate the verifiable benefits of organic farming and products to society.” [Mission Statement]
15. Organic Consumers Association (OCA).
Contact: 218-226-4164 (MN) (Activist or Media Inquiries); fax 218-353-7652.
Homepage: http://organicconsumers.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is an online and grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability. The OCA deals with crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, children’s health, corporate accountability, Fair Trade, environmental sustainability and other key topics.” [Web site]
16. Organic Farmers’ Agency for Relationship Marketing (OFARM).
Contact: OFARM Executive Director; 785-337-2442 (KS); 920-825-1369 (WI); e-mail jbobbe@centurytel.net
Homepage: http://www.ofarm.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “Mission statement: To coordinate efforts of producer marketing groups to benefit and sustain organic producers.” [Web site] Provides newsletter, conference listings, “Dairy Pay-Price Comparisons,” and “OFARM Target Price List” for organic field crops.
17. Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF).
Contact: 831-426-6606 (CA); fax 831-426-6670; e-mail research@ofrf.org
Homepage: http://www.ofrf.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “To foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming practices.” [Web site] Products include: National Organic Farmers’ Survey. Provides research grants.
18. Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).
Contact: 541-343-7600 (OR); fax 541-343-8971; e-mail info@omri.org
Homepage: http://www.omri.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “Nonprofit organization that specializes in the review of substances for use in organic production, processing, and handling.” See description in Guide 2 and OMRI publication descriptions in Guide 5.
19. Organic Trade Association (OTA).
Contact: 413-774-7511 (MA); fax 413-774-6432; e-mail info@ota.com
Homepage: http://www.ota.com/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: See description in Guide 5.
20. Southwest Marketing Network (SWMN).
Contact: 970-588-2292 (CO); e-mail jadyer@frontier.net
Homepage: http://www.swmarketingnetwork.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Supports Southwest producers with “connections with others, technical and financial assistance, marketing information, business and marketing skills, and peer examples needed to improve their marketing success.” [Web site]
21. Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN).
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE).
Contact: 301-504-6425 (MD); fax 301-504-5207; e-mail san@sare.org
Homepage: http://www.sare.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “Communications and outreach arm of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program [USDA].” Numerous publications and directories online. SARE grants information and contacts available on the Web site.
23. USDA Accredited Certifying Agents.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Organic Program (NOP).
Directory: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/CertifyingAgents/Accredited.html (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Comprehensive list of the USDA Accredited Certifying Agents (ACAs) organized alphabetically by state for domestic ACAs and by country for foreign ACAs. Separate lists for domestic and foreign agents.
Find more: Local and community food organizations…
28. Chefs Collaborative: Partners in Local, Artisanal, and Sustainable Cuisine.
Contact: 617-236-5200 (MA); fax 617-236-5272; e-mail ChefsCollaborative@chefscollaborative.org
Homepage: http://www.chefscollaborative.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “Chefs Collaborative works with chefs and the greater food community to celebrate local foods and foster a more sustainable food supply. The Collaborative inspires action by translating information about our food into tools for making knowledgeable purchasing decisions. Through these actions, our members embrace seasonality, preserve diversity and traditional practices, and support local economies.” [Mission Statement] Local Food Search/Find Members provides a directory for chefs, farmers and consumers, http://guide.chefscollaborative.org/ (accessed 2/25/08)
29. Community Food Security Coalition - Related Websites.
CFSC.
Directory: http://www.foodsecurity.org/links.html (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “A collection of food-security web links in the following categories: Food Security/Food Systems; Community Supported Agriculture (CSA); Urban Agriculture/Community Gardens; Progressive; Nutrition; Religious; Sustainable Agriculture; Community Development; Farmers’ Markets; University/Cooperative Extension; Anti-Hunger; Restaurants/Chefs/Co-ops.” [Web site]
30. Local Food Directories.
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
Directory: http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/localfood.html (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “As consumer interest in local foods and producer interest in direct marketing both rise, community, regional, state and national directories of local foods offer a way to establish links between consumers and producers. This online database lists local food directories and promotional programs from across the country, searchable by state.” [Web site]
31. National Farm to School Regional Lead Agencies.
National Farm to School Program.
Directory: http://www.farmtoschool.org/regional.php (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Regional Lead Agencies in eight regions of the country have been established to lead farm to school efforts in the states that comprise the regions.” [Web site] A “Find a Farm to School Program near you” directory is available site’s homepage, http://www.farmtoschool.org/ (accessed 2/25/08)
Find more: Farmers markets and retail organic food outlets…
(Business directories and trading sites are listed in Guide 4 of this series.)
32. Farmers Market Search.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
Directory: http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Search by farmers’ market name, state, city, county, zip code or “forms of payment accepted.”
33. Organic Farmers’ Market and Store Finder.
Foerstel Design.
Directory: http://www.organic.org/storefinder (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Directory of U.S. farmers’ markets and stores that carry organic products.
Find more: Value-added and related food enterprise groups…
34. AgMRC Value-Added Directories.
Ag Marketing Resource Center.
Directory: http://www.agmrc.org/agmrc/directories/agmrcdir/agmrcdir.htm (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Browse or search these directories: Agricultural Innovation Centers - List of USDA-funded agricultural innovation centers, with an overview, subject areas of expertise, activities and contact individuals. Value-Added Agricultural Consultants and Service Providers - List of specialists who have registered on the site to assist producers in developing or expanding a value-added agriculture business. Value-Added Agricultural Businesses - List of value-added businesses that have registered on the site that can be contacted by individuals with similar interests.
35. State Resource Directory.
Ag Marketing Resource Center.
Directory: http://www.agmrc.org/agmrc/directories/agmrcdir/statedirectory.html (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “Contacts of individuals and programs in each of the 50 states for value-added agriculture information specific to that state.”
36. The Food Industry Center.
University of Minnesota Department of Applied Economics.
Contact: 612-625-7019 (MN); fax 612-625-2729; e-mail tfic@apec.umn.edu
Homepage: http://foodindustrycenter.umn.edu/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “Advancing knowledge about processing, distribution, sales, and food service.” [Web site] Site sources include a reference library, publications, links directory and newsletter.
37. The Food Processing Center.
University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
Contact: 402-472-2832 (NE); e-mail form: http://fpc.unl.edu/fpcform/contact.shtml
Homepage: http://fpc.unl.edu/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “To advance the value-added food manufacturing industry by partnering on technical and business development from idea through ongoing market support.” [Mission statement]
38. International HACCP Alliance.
Texas A&M University, Department of Animal Science.
Contact: 979-862-3643 (TX); fax 979-862-3075; e-mail kharris@tamu.edu
Homepage: http://haccpalliance.org (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “The International HACCP Alliance was developed to provide a uniform program to assure safer meat and poultry products.” Site includes food industry news items and “Scientific Article Database.” [Web site]
39. State Departments of Health.
State and Local Government Internet directory/State Government Offices, Local US Government, City Government and Federal Government.
Directory: http://www.statelocalgov.net/50states-health.cfm (accessed 2/26/08) Description: State departments of health usually host the regulatory agencies that govern food handling, preparation and sales.
40. University Assistance Centers for Food Entrepreneurs.
Food Entrepreneur Resources, Food Safety, Pennsylvania State University.
Directory: http://foodsafety.cas.psu.edu/processor/resources.htm#University (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Also on this page find listings for Food Processing Incubators and Commercial Kitchens.
41. The NxLevel Training Network.
NxLevel.
Contact: 800-873-9378 (toll free) or 801-446-6162 (UT); fax 800-860-0522.
Homepage: http://www.nxlevel.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Training curriculums (offered in many states) include NxLevel for Business Start-ups, for Entrepreneurs, for Enterprising Youth, for Micro-Entrepreneurs, for Agricultural Entrepreneurs and for Alternative Agriculture.
44. National Agri-Marketering Association (NAMA).
Homepage: http://www.nama.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “As a part of NAMA, you can connect with other leading industry professionals - in marketing, advertising, public relations, media and more.” [Web site]
45. Local Harvest.
Directory: http://www.localharvest.org/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “Use our website to find farmers’ markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area, where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies.” [Web site] “Find Farms” search, http://www.localharvest.org/organic-farms/ (accessed 2/25/08)
48. Directory of Rural, Farmer, Rancher, and Fishery Cooperatives.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Business and Cooperative Programs.
Directory: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/pub/sr22.htm (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “This directory contains a listing, by State, of over 1,100 marketing, farm supply, service, fishery, and bargaining cooperatives. The information was collected from every cooperative that USDA Rural Development’s Cooperative Programs surveys that wished to be in this directory. The information includes the cooperative’s contact information, type of cooperative, and products that they sell.” [Web site]
50. Building Better Rural Places: Federal Programs for Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Entrepreneurship, Conservation and Community Development, by Margaret Krome, Susan LeVan and David Zodrow.
ATTRA - The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, 2004, updated 2007.
Directory: http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/betterrural.html (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “This extensive directory of federal programs that offer assistance in sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation and community development was compiled in 2004 [and updated in 2007] by U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies working together for sustainable rural development, in collaboration with The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and the National Center for Appropriate Technology. This guide is written for anyone seeking help from federal programs to foster innovative enterprises in agriculture and forestry in the United States.” [Introduction]
51. Funding Opportunities.
ATTRA - The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
Directory: http://www.attra.org/funding/ (accessed 2/25/08) Description: This searchable, dynamic directory is updated weekly and includes a wide range of funding program notices from Federal, state and private sources.
54. Regional Contacts - RCD Councils.
National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Council.
Directory: http://www.rcdnet.org/regions.php (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “RC&D Councils work to improve the general level of economic activity and to enhance the environment and standard of living in all communities. Councils provide a system of rural development to encourage the wise use of natural resources, and improve the quality of life in America.” [Web site]
55. The Center for Minority Farmers.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR)., 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop 9473, Washington DC 20250; Toll free: 866-873-2163; 202-205-0667; e-mail usdaoutreach@usda.gov
Homepage: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/outreach_minority.html (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “The Center’s staff coordinates technical assistance and training that many of USDA customers need to enable them to fully participate in USDA’s programs and services. Minority farmers and others contacting the Center can receive referrals to experts within USDA’s agencies who can help them meet USDA program participation requirements. Farmers seeking to develop stronger and more successful farm and business operations can also participate in capacity building training activities, coordinated through the Center. The Center also provides information on forming cooperatives and partnerships so minority farmers can maximize opportunities to participate in new markets for their agriculture products.” [Web site]
56. National Immigrant Farming Initiative (NIFI). Note: This website was developed as a collaboration of Heifer International®, the Risk Management Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and The New Farm® of The Rodale Institute.
Homepage: http://www.immigrantfarming.org/ (accessed 2/26/08) Description: “NIFI provides training, information sharing, networking opportunities, funding for projects through Heifer’s project development process, and other resources to support immigrant farmers.” [Web site]
57. Native Americans and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, 2007.(Program Aid, 1924).
Directory: http://www.usda.gov/documents/AmerIndianNativeAlaskGuide-07%2011%2007.pdf (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “This guide is a reference for American Indian and Alaska Native tribal leaders and members, planners, community leaders, producers, and others who work with American Indians and Alaska Natives on any of the numerous USDA programs available to the Native American community. The Guide is intended as a resource for decisionmakers seeking to identify USDA programs that will best serve an individual or community’s needs as well as for facilitating improved access to USDA programs and services.” [Introduction]
58. Farm Loan Programs - Farm Service Agency (FSA).
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Homepage: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=landing (accessed 2/26/08) Description: FSA makes direct and guaranteed farm ownership (FO) and operating loans (OL) to farmers and ranchers, including beginning farmers, who are temporarily unable to obtain private, commercial credit. FSA loans can be used to purchase land, livestock, equipment, feed, seed, and supplies. Loans can also be used to construct buildings or make farm improvements. Programs are administered locally. See USDA Office Locator listed below in this Guide for an on line directory.
59. Funding Resources for Farmers’ Markets.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Farmers Market Consortium. 70p.
Directory: http://www.farmersmarketsusa.org/index.php?id=3&c=1 (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Site includes the “USDA Farmers’ Market Resource Guide (2007), providing an overview of all funding sources and indications of past and current USDA sponsored projects that support direct-to-consumer marketing; Federal Resources - links to United States Department of Agriculture, HHS and other Federal government resources and grant programs for farmers’ markets; State Resources - links to state departments of agriculture, contact information for state farmers’ market representatives and other state grant or funding programs; Local Resources (interesting examples of local programs that support farmers markets; and Foundation Resources, resources provided by various foundations to support the development of farmers’ markets.” [Web site]
60. Funds Availability: Rural Development.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Business and Cooperative Programs, Rural Development.
Homepage: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/index.html (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Cites opportunities for USDA Rural Development Business Programs, Community Programs, Cooperative Programs, Rural Community Empowerment Program, and Special Initiatives.
61. State Cooperative Specialist Contacts.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Business and Cooperative Programs.
Directory: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/cscontac.htm (accessed 2/25/08)
62. USDA Service Center Locator.
United States Department of Agriculture.
Directory: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app (accessed 2/25/08) Description: “USDA Service Centers are designed to be a single location where customers can access the services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies. This web site will provide the address of a USDA Service Center and other Agency offices serving your area along with information on how to contact them.” [Web site]
63. Grants.Gov.
E-Grants Initiative.
Homepage: http://www.grants.gov (accessed 2/25/08) Description: Created through a partnership of Federal Agencies, this site directs grant seekers to over 900 programs offered across 26 Federal grant-making Agencies. Using the “Find Opportunities” function, one can search for grant opportunities throughout the Federal government and/or register to receive all e-mail notifications of new grant postings.
Find more: Government sources: Extension, State Departments of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies…
64. Cooperative Extension System Offices.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES).
Directory: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/index.html (accessed 2/25/08)
65. Small Farm Resource Guide.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), Small Farm Program, 2006. Note: The CSREES Small Farm Toll-Free InfoLine (800-583-3071) is a service for farmers and ranchers with small farms-related questions to speak to CSREES small farms experts. The line is answered Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Directory: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/ag_systems/pdfs/sf_resource_guide.pdf (accessed 2/25/08) Description: This guide “provides a listing of USDA and other federal agencies, the land-grant university system, and other public and private sector organizations, including community based organizations, that offer small farm and ranch expertise or information relevant to small production enterprises. Entries in the Guide are listed by state, and generally include a description of programs relevant to small scale farmers and rancher, contact information, and, as appropriate, selected publications. Most of the entries have been provided by the organizations themselves.” [Introduction]
66. State Agriculture Departments.
State and Local Government Internet Directory/State Government Offices, Local US Government, City Government and Federal Government.
Directory: http://www.statelocalgov.net/50states-agriculture.cfm (accessed 2/25/08)
AgMRC Value-added Directories 34
Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) 3
Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC) 4
American Farm Bureau (AFB) 46
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
Building Better Rural Places: Federal Programs for Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Entrepreneurship, Conservation and Community Development 50
The Center for Minority Farmers 55
Center for Rural Affairs 6
Certified Organic Processors/Handlers 25
Chefs Collaborative: Partners in Local, Artisanal, and Sustainable Cuisine 28
Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC) 7
Community Food Security Coalition - Related Websites 29
Cooperative Extension System Offices 64
Directory of Rural, Farmer, Rancher, and Fishery Cooperatives 48
Farm Loan Programs - Farm Service Agency (FSA) 58
Farmers Market Search 32
Farmland Information Center/Library (FIC) 8
The Food Alliance (TFA) 9
The Food Industry Center 36
The Food Processing Center 37
Funding Opportunities 51
Funding Resources for Farmers’ Markets 59
Funding Resources: Rural Information Center 49
Funding Sources for New Farmers 52
Funding Sources for Transitioning Farmers 53
Funds Availability: Rural Development 60
National Agri-Marketering Association NAMA) 44
National Commodity and Agricultural Organization Sites 43
National Farm to School Regional Lead Agencies 31
National Farmers' Union (NFU) 47
National Immigrant Farming Initiative (NIFI) 56
National Organic Program State Contacts 22
Native Americans and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs 57
North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA) 13
The NxLevel Training Network 41
The Organic Center 14
Organic Consultants 26
Organic Consulting Services 27
Organic Consumers Association (OCA) 15
Organic Farmers' Market and Store Finder 33
Organic Farmers’ Agency for Relationship Marketing (OFARM) 16
Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) 17
Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) 18
Organic Trade Association (OTA) 19
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) 42
Small Farm Resource Guide 65
Southwest Marketing Network (SWMN) 20
State Agriculture Departments 66
State Cooperative Specialist Contacts 61
State Departments of Health 39
State Resource Directory 35
Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) 21
Sustainable Agriculture Organizations and Information Providers 1
Sustainable Agriculture Organizations and Publications 2
University Assistance Centers for Food Entrepreneurs 40
USDA Accredited Certifying Agents 23
USDA Agencies and Offices 67
USDA Service Center Locator 62
About the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
The Alternative Farming Systems Information
Center (AFSIC) specializes in locating and accessing information related to
many aspects of sustainable and alternative agriculture, crops and livestock -
sustainable and organic crop and livestock farming systems; renewable farm
energy options; alternative marketing practices; crop and livestock diversification
including aquaculture, exotic and heritage farm animals, alternative and
specialty crops, new uses for traditional crops, and crops grown for industrial
production; and small farm issues.
AFSIC was founded in 1985 and is an integral
part of the National Agricultural Library (NAL) in Beltsville, Maryland. The Center is supported, in part, by USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and
Education (SARE) program, and a cooperative agreement with the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. NAL is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
A current list of AFSIC information products
and full-text publications are available electronically on the AFSIC Web site.
Recent publications are also available, on request, in hard copy.
