Growing Local

Tou and Chue Lee planted their rice fields in early spring at Lee’s One Fortune Farm in Western North Carolina. Now it’s the end of the growing season and finally time to harvest. For the most part it’s a joyous season, but this time of year also brings back memories of their struggle to escape the jungles of Laos and seek safety in the United States.

Hear rice being harvested at Lee's One Fortune Farm and learn why this crop is important to the Hmong community in Western North Carolina.

Savannah and Will Salley from Headwaters Market Garden in Alexander, North Carolina jumped head first into farming in 2017 and have learned a lot of lessons along the way. Hear how they learned how to grow produce and a farm business in our new and beginning farmer series.

We continue our community story booth series with a conversation with George Ivey from Hendersonville, NC. He talks about his work with farmland preservation and how he’s helping his son gain an appreciation for local food.

Local employers are encouraging staff to eat healthier and support local farms through workplace CSAs. Hear how the Community Supported Agriculture model works at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System in Boone, NC.

Ernie Mowell grew up with a big garden in his backyard, but it wasn’t until he was stationed in Hawaii that he started to understand the food system. Hear how a lesson he learned at a pineapple factory guides his food choices today.

Apple orchards been part of the culture of Henderson County, North Carolina for hundreds of years. Yet something new is on the horizon. Hear how Alan Ward, owner of Appalachian Ridge Artisan Hard Cider, is combining tradition with innovation as he expands into apple-based spirits similar to calvados and pommeau.

Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard hit a major milestone this year - 50 years of agritourism. Hear about the farm’s humble beginnings and find out what the family has planned for future generations.

Meet Suzy Phillips, owner of Gypsy Queen Cuisine, and hear how she uses local lamb to share stories about growing up in Lebanon.

Farmers markets are full of abundance this time of year, but how do farmers decide what to grow and sell? Hear how New Roots Market Garden found its place in the local food system with a wild salad mix.