The Voice

Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: Campus Life

Spring Valley EcoFarms of Athens is helping develop eco-friendly farms that deal with environmental issues by providing a learning center for those interested in preserving the world we live in.
Carmen Jordan, a Spanish professor at GSC, and her family have set up a "living laboratory," said Jordan, "where students, entrepreneurs, schools, volunteers, and scientists can learn, observe, and analyze techniques of eco-friendly farming."
This 100-acre farm allows concerned and interested citizens to help make a difference and take part in the path towards economic stability. Learning economically sustainable techniques, taking part in research, and observing other scientists and workers are all ways to get involved at the farm.
Carl Jordan, an ecology professor at the Institute of Ecology at UGA, bought the farm in 1993. He believed that owning his own farm would give him an opportunity to "put into practice some of the lessons he has learned after studying all over the world." He wanted a place that combined scientific knowledge and expertise to find solutions to environmental problems in the area.
Spring Valley EcoFarms practices organic farming, a type of farming that limits the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. A major difference in organic versus industrial farming is tilling the soil. In organic farming, the soil cannot be tilled or the "soil will lose its organic matter," said Jordan.
After many efforts to reduce harm on the economy, organic farming still requires the use of petroleum. After the growth process, products must then be transported to where they can be processed through energy consuming food factories. This use of fossil fuels is extremely harmful, but is necessary to complete the process of organic farming.
Spring Valley EcoFarms also makes sure to balance the amount of plants, animals, and microorganisms in the soil to keep the farm flowing. The animals are beneficial because of the waste they produce, which is recycled and used as a natural fertilizer. Some animals, such as pigs, also break up and prepare the soil for its next growing season. The variety of plants and crops are necessary for crop rotation, which prevents build-up of unwanted pests, diseases and other harmful insects. Some plants release nitrogen into the soil, which is essential in order to have a successful harvest.
The farm is located in north Athens near Winterville on Spring Valley Road. Anyone with an open mind interested in learning more about economic-friendly agriculture is always welcome. Carl Jordan offers a class during Maymester on the fundamentals of organic farming. For more information please visit their website at www.springvalleyecofarms.org or email questions to cfj@uga.edu.

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