Southeastern African-American Farmers Organic Network (SAAFON)

The Southeastern African-American Farmers Organic Network (SAAFON) is a network of farmers using sustainable growing methods. The Network is comprised of small and limited resource farmers that are either certified organic or growing organically. Currently SAAFON farmers are located in six states and the Virgin Islands: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisina, North Carolina, South Carolina, and St. Croix Island. The goal is to add ten (10) farmers to the Network each year. Participation is the Network is free to the members.

The Network is governed by an Advisory Board. The Advisory Board consist of a farmer (s) representative from each state that is a part of SAAFON’s regional network. It is through this Advisory Board that the farmer members determine the sharing of resources, information and marketing outlets.

The results of this project have shown that given proper information and technical support small and limited resource farmers, especially African-American and women farmers will consider organic production as a viable agricultural and economic alternative

THE PROJECT GOALS ARE:

To provide small and limited resource farmers with trainings, resources, and information to grow organically.
To ensure the farmers in the network have access to available programs and services provided by universities, extension and research centers, agricultural organizations, and regional mentoring programs.
To develop a farmers’ collaborative for the purpose of marketing their organically grown products locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.