About TOGA

Toga LogoOrganic
We believe in organic practices which, at minimum, insure that food is raised without toxic chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or hormones, and that growing practices promote soil improvement and animal well-being.

Sustainable
We believe in sustainable practices that ask, "Does this manner of farming preserve and improve the health of the land and the people who care for it?" and answer by preventing erosion, building soil, protecting farm communities and farm economy.

Local
We believe in the value of local food which serves to keep food fresh and nutritious while preserving local economy, local culture, and fossil fuels.

Exploding Markets
People are increasingly concerned about the quality of their food, the effects of farming practices on the land and water, and their farmer's quality of life. The ideal meal is fresh, tasty, nutrient dense, seasonal, attractive, and produced organically by a local farmer that they know, who conscientiously improves the land and farm ecology, raises livestock respectfully, and is fairly compensated for his or her work. Even if all of these criteria are not met, each one of these factors adds value to the product. Taking advantage of these and other value-added elements increases the ability of farmers to flourish in today's volatile market-especially small and beginning farmers.

It is the intent of the Tennessee Organic Growers Association to raise public awareness of the importance of these food values and help Tennessee farmers meet the intense demands that are emerging from an informed public. The organic food industry has grown by 20% over the past 16 years. This multi-billion dollar industry is profoundly underrepresented in Tennessee, and this deficit is compounded by the desire for local organics-Tennessee organics. This historical moment presents an incredible opportunity for Tennessee farmers to receive the monetary and emotional rewards they are due from a public ready to compensate good farmers with a good living.

Tennessee Organic Growers Association holds an annual spring conference, presents quarterly farm tours, holds special events, serves as a liaison to government and non-government organization, writes developmental grants, alerts members of important happenings, and is developing a quarterly newsletter. By joining you can

  • Network with local organic farmers and others interested in building a healthy local foodshed
  • Connect with customers
  • Learn about emerging markets
  • Contribute to building a secure local organic food supply
  • Join us as we seek to educate and build the structures to connect people who demand great food with people who grow it.