Organic strawberries, fall vegetables and market diversity will highlight three field trips planned for local farmers this fall.

The Moore County and Richmond County centers of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service are sponsoring the field trips focusing on sustainable agriculture. The dates are Oct. 6, Oct. 11 and Nov. 6.

"With market demand expanding for organic fruits and vegetables and fall production, we'll visit farms that have a mix of wholesale and retail markets," Extension agent Taylor Williams said.

The series begins Wednesday at Timberwood Organics, a certified organic farm near Carrboro operated by Ray Christopher. Products from this farm are marketed to restaurants, grocery stores, farmers markets and through a community association. Visitors will learn how he schedules crops for harvest throughout a 28-week season to serve 250 subscribers.

A fee of $10 will be charged to each participant per session to compensate hosting farmers for their time. The group will leave from the Extension office in Carthage at 8 a.m. and return about 2 p.m.

Interested farmers must call their advance reservations to the Extension office at (910) 947-3188. For the opening field trip to Timberwood Organics, reservations should be made no later than Monday.

Organic strawberries will be featured on Monday, Oct. 11, when the destination will be the Vollmer Farm.

This third generation farm has transitioned from tobacco to a diversified produce farm specializing in organics and agritourism. The Vollmers market through a produce stand, pick your own, a community association and wholesale to regional specialty groceries.

No charge will be made for the final field trip on Saturday, Nov. 6, to the Carrboro Farmers Market. Since 1979 this market has pioneered the local food movement in North Carolina and has extended its season to a year-round venture.