Local
Nashville Grown
A “nonprofit startup aimed at jumpstarting urban agriculture in Nashville by aggregating and distributing locally grown produce to reach larger markets, raising awareness of Nashville’s farmers via innovative and transparent labeling, and working to provide land and training for prospective urban farmers.”
Hands on Nashville
A volunteer coordination organization with an urban agriculture component. The HON’s Urban Agriculture Program is designed to promote access to healthy food in low-income neighborhoods. Programs include: Urban Farm Apprenticeship, Crop City Youth Development Program, Urban Farmer Summer Camp.
Green Door Gourmet
A working farm and local grocery store just a few miles from downtown Nashville. The event barn, The Grange is an excellent meeting and educational space for seminars, workshops, charity events, weddings.
Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee Second Harvest
Food Bank of Middle Tennessee works with farmers throughout the south, to provide fresh and healthy produce to hungry families, children and seniors throughout our 46 county service area.
Society of St. Andrews: The Gleaning Network
Do you have a farm, garden or orchard where you have excess produce but do not want it to go to waste? The Society of St. Andrews will send in volunteers to glean the fields and donate the produce locally to those in need. One major area of food waste in America is in farmers’ fields, where crops that don’t meet top-grade quality are left to rot or be plowed under. Contact: Regional Director, Jeannie Hunter 615-878-6134; Program Coordinator, Kelsey Miller 615-878-9233
Tennessee Organic Growers Association Association
TOGA is geared towards providing research and support to organic farmers and gardeners as well as educating the public on the benefits of supporting local food systems.
Regional and National
Local Harvest
“America’s #1 organic and local food website. We maintain a definitive and reliable “living” public nationwide directory of small farms, farmers markets, and other local food sources”. Sign up to be a part of this national registry of farms and to access forums, newsletters and products. CSAware software is available here for purchase to help manage CSAs.
Certified Naturally Grown
A non-profit running alternate farmer certification programs. “These programs minimize paperwork and certification fees and employ a peer-inspection process built on local networks.”
UT Extension
UT Extension provides a gateway to the University of Tennessee as the outreach unit of the Institute of Agriculture. It is a statewide educational organization, funded by federal, state and local governments, that brings research-based information about agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and resource development to the people of Tennessee where they live and work.
Tennessee State University, Cooperative Extension
The Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension Program mission is to help educate and provide information to limited resource urban and rural individuals, families, small farmers and other groups.
Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Their mission is to serve all the citizens of Tennessee by providing options for responsible use of our agricultural and forest resources, developing economic opportunities, safeguarding food and fiber, and ensuring equity in the marketplace.
Pick TN Products
Farmers can be listed for free on the Pick TN Products database. They offer free marketing services for farmers and help answer questions on how to increase farming income.
Rodale Institute Southeast Organic Center
The Southeast Organic Center in Chattahoochee Hills, GA serves as a research and education hub focused on: Increasing the number of farms and acres in organic production in the region; Solving challenges for organic farmers in the region, including pests, disease, weed management; Establishing a long-term research trial to determine changes in soil health, yields, economic models, and more in this unique climate & soil type.
USDA – United States Department of Agriculture
Many USDA agencies serve the growing organic sector. Whether you’re already certified organic, considering transitioning all or part of your operation, or working with organic producers, they have the resources for you. This portal connects to programs, services, and educational materials that can help your organic farm or business.