“When you put your hands in the dirt, something changes you. You will never be the same again.” — Devon Goodwin, OTL Farms and 2018 Presenter
About SSAWG
The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, commonly known as Southern SAWG, was founded in 1991 to foster a movement towards a more sustainable farming and food system—one that is ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just and humane. We function as a regional entity, working with and through hundreds of associated organizations across 13 southern states. By building partnerships, sharing information and conducting analysis, we transform isolated ideas and innovations into practical tools and approaches for widespread use.
Southern SAWG focuses attention on issues and differing perspectives around food production, marketing, and distribution, and brings sustainable solutions to farmers, families and communities in the southern U.S. We have provided education and outreach to more than 10,000 farmers and food advocates in our 25+ year history. Our conference is hailed as the South’s leading sustainable and organic agriculture event, bringing together over 1,200 people annually for peer learning, networking and cross-pollination of ideas.
The vision of Southern SAWG is a world in which everyone has access to wholesome food from a just, sustainable farming and food system that supports good environmental stewardship and quality of life for all.
Southern SAWG operates in 13 states in the South: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Southern SAWG’s Mission is to empower and inspire farmers, individuals, and communities in the South to create an agricultural system that is ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just, and humane. Because sustainable solutions depend on the involvement of the entire community, Southern SAWG is committed to including all persons in the South without bias.
