Extension Agents Learn Organic Methods at In-Service Training
FORT VALLEY, Georgia -- Cooperative Extension specialists across the state of Georgia learned about organic production methods, including barrel gardening and high tunnels, at an in-service training held at Fort Valley State University on Sept. 27.
The training was sponsored by the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SSARE) program, Cooperative Extension, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Attendees received updates on sustainable agriculture from University of Georgia sustainable ag coordinator Julia Gaskin; learned about the Center of Innovation for Agribusiness from senior agribusiness manager Roderick Gilbert; learned more about the NRCS organic cost share production program from district conservationist Calvin Essex; got an overview of the organic certification process from UGA organic ag program coordinator Robert Tate; and received information on controlling diseases in plants using organic methods from UGA Extension specialist Elizabeth Little.
Participants also toured the Fort Valley State University organic farm site and received research updates in areas such as high tunnel production, fruit and nut trees, blueberries, and organic vegetables.
The following are photos taken during the event:
Extension agents and other participants tour the Fort Valley State University organic farm site during an in-service training on organic production methods.
Bobby Rowan, a former Georgia senator and a Fort Valley State University consultant, shows off current research on barrel gardening. The urban ag concept can be used for children's gardening activities and AgrAbility projects. It takes up less space and less water than traditional row gardening.
High tunnel being prepped for fall crops at Fort Valley State University.
Julia Gaskin, University of Georgia sustainable ag coordinator, gives an update on sustainable ag projects during the in-service training.
