Jun 1, 2020

Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group closing its doors

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group has announced it is closing its doors.

The following statement was releasaed:

“It is with heavy hearts but immense pride that we, the Board of Directors of the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG), are announcing that we will be closing our organization. We celebrate the three decades of effort we have put into strengthening and shaping the southern sustainable agriculture landscape, enriching the sustainable agriculture movement of the South. We look forward to the continued development of our regional, state, and local communities to provide the support, technical skill-sharing, and networking for our southern farmers working hard every day to sustain our critical food supply.

From our history, we know this work will continue long into the future. For nearly thirty years, SSAWG has had the privilege of convening some of the most brilliant farm minds in the region. We have witnessed the growth of organizations and farmers who are revolutionizing the southern food system, and we are so proud to have played a part in the deeply important work you do. Through seeds that Southern SAWG has helped to sow, a number of sustainable agriculture organizations in the South have blossomed over the last 29 years.

As the current COVID-19 crisis has reinforced for all, food systems are vulnerable, and farmers need the tools, training, and support to cultivate a more resilient future. As organizational partners grow in each state and across the region to address these issues, and the current state of the world unfolds, Southern SAWG’s mission is more fulfilled. We are so proud of our organizational partners who will continue to do the educational work in the most impacted communities throughout the South.

Thank you to every single person who attended, presented, coordinated, volunteered, funded, and otherwise offered your magic to our 29th annual conference in Little Rock and each conference prior. And thank you to all the farmers, educators, and partners who have shared your knowledge and support in thousands of other ways throughout the past 29 years. You have helped shape SSAWG’s legacy – bold, innovative, adaptive, and fabulous.

Like the sustainable farmers we represent, we understand the importance of fallow times; it is time for us to regenerate and renew the nutrients that feed our southern sustainable agriculture movement. We are proud and thankful for our dedicated board and staff, who no doubt, will continue to support sustainable agriculture in the South through other opportunities. Anytime a viable seed is laid to rest in the soil, an amazing resurgence of growth appears. It is our hope that of the many seeds Southern SAWG has sown throughout the region, what emerges next will be better than we could ever imagine.

Southern SAWG’s offices are closed for new business as of May 31, 2020. Although, we will continue to fulfill current obligations responsibly through the fall of 2020. For questions, please email [email protected].

Yours in collaboration,

The Southern SAWG Staff and Board of Directors”

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. It has functioned 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.