Look at this--organic farming in North Carolina!
Center for Environmental Farming Systems-North Carolina State University
Organic production represents the largest growth segment nationwide in agriculture today. The organic industry is worth $6 billion (2000), and has grown at a rate of 24% per year for the last eight years. Consumer demand for organic food has increased the need for more research and education in this area. In 1994 the Center for Environmental Farming Systems was established at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Cherry Farm near Goldsboro. This unique Center is a partnership among North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, non-governmental organizations, and other state and federal agencies, farmers and citizens.
In 1998, the Organic Unit (OU) at CEFS had nearly 100 certified organic acres dedicated to research and demonstration projects. Because of flooding due to Hurricanes Fran and Floyd, the Organic Unit was moved to higher ground in 1999, and the certification process initiated again. With approximately 80 acres to be certified organic land, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems is one of the largest research/demonstration sites affiliated with a land-grant University in the country. The site is used for research, demonstrations, and education, and serves as a focal point for student and extension agent training. The Organic Systems Unit hosts annual Field Days for farmers and other agricultural professionals.
Demand by organic retailers is outstripping North Carolina production of organic products. Organic produce sales are among the fastest growth sector in the NC retail food industry. Currently NC imports more than 90% of the organic products it sells; even though many of these products can be grown in North Carolina. Fortunately, according to a recent survey, buyers are committed to buying local produce when it is available. Recent release of the proposed federal organic standards and USDA’s approval for certification of livestock will increase the demand for organically grown products including organic feeds for livestock.
Organic farming has been shown to be profitable, and in some studies returns to the farm are higher than those to "conventional" even without the price premiums. Currently premiums are available for most commodities (organic corn sold for $5.20 per bushel in 1999; organic soybeans sold for $11-22 per bushel depending on variety).
High value organic crops can help keep some farming enterprises viable. As commodity programs are eliminated, more farmers will discover that organic production is a legitimate and economically viable alternative enterprise. Because of the high profitability, organic farming can be profitable on small acreages. With high returns and lower land and capital requirements, young people interested in farming as an occupation face far fewer barriers to entering the business. In fact, it is one of the few ways new growers without an inherited land or equipment base can enter agriculture.
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