Growing Local

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.