Growing Local

Food banks have experienced an influx of people seeking nutritious food during COVID-19. Hear how ASAP is connecting local farms with food relief organizations to provide fresh produce during the pandemic.

Agritourism is changing in response to COVID-19. Hear how Mountain Harvest Organics and Franny’s Farm are adapting their approach to on-farm lodging this summer.

A thriving food system depends on strong relationships between farmers. Hear how Beacon Village Farm built local partnerships while scaling up from a market garden to an organic wholesale farm.

After a year of learning how to grow vegetables on their farm in Madison County, Stephanie Vinat and Jeremiah Batla of The AppaLatin Farmstead were ready to bring Latin peppers like Aji Charapita and Ají Amarillo to farmers markets for the first time. When they lost their off-farm jobs due to the pandemic, they used that time to improve their land and connect with the community as they embarked on their first year in business.

Higher education is changing in response to COVID-19. ASAP’s Growing Minds program is providing community colleges with online resources so future educators can learn about farm to school philosophies and activities that they can share with preschoolers.

Evan Chender, aka The Culinary Gardener, grew edible flowers and specialty greens for restaurants until COVID-19 hit. Then he shifted to a CSA model where the vegetables go to home kitchens instead of restaurant plates.

Farmers in the Appalachian Grown region, including Green Toe Ground Farm and Mountain Harvest Organics, receive immediate needs grants as they adapt to operating during COVID-19.

Chefs and farmers find new ways to collaborate and feed people in need as North Carolina restaurants operate in limited capacities.

The closure and delays of multiple farmers markets prompted ASAP to create a new outdoor market in a matter of days. Hear how the market operates and why it’s more important than ever to support the local food system. Photo credit: Camilla Calnan Photography

For over 70 years, Sunburst Trout Farms has been a mainstay of the Western North Carolina food system. Hear how this family business is adapting its processing facility and distribution methods to meet new challenges.

Countless farms in Western North Carolina changed their business models when the COVID-19 crisis hit. Hear how Dry Ridge Farm is selling pastured meat and eggs directly to consumers as restaurant sales decline.

Kids need nutritious food, even more so when schools are closed. Hear how schools in Western North Carolina are embracing local ingredients as part of their meals for kids program. Photo credit: Buncombe County Schools Communication

The COVID-19 crisis is threatening the stability of local farms. Hear how ASAP is working to support farmers and build a resilient food system with the Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund.

School and summer programs are on hold, but kids can still explore and learn with Growing Minds Day-by-Day. Hear how ASAP’s new online resource is being used in Western North Carolina and beyond.

Many family farms in Western North Carolina have changed their business models in response to COVID-19. Hear how Lee’s One Fortune Farm is connecting the community with local food in this time of crisis.

The closure of multiple farmers markets prompted ASAP to create a new outdoor market in a matter of days. Hear how the market operates and why it’s more important than ever to support the local food system.

Community Supported Agriculture brings the farmers market to you. Hear how farmers and community members got ready for the season at ASAP’s CSA Fair, which was held earlier this month when it was safe for crowds to gather.

It takes teamwork for farmers markets to thrive. Hear how market managers are gearing up for the season in this report from ASAP’s Farmers Market Summit.

When Jona Felts lived in Costa Rica, he was surrounded by hot peppers and banana vinegar—the perfect ingredients for farm-fresh hot sauce. When he came back to the mountains of North Carolina, he learned how to grow similar ingredients at Open Ridge Farm so he could use a little heat to sustain the farm through winter.

One of the hardest parts of expanding a business is finding trusted collaborators. Hear why the founder of Well Seasoned Table came to ASAP’s Business of Farming conference to connect with new farmers who will supply her seasonings company with local ingredients.