Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project

The pilot program is demonstrating that through Farmer to Farmer Mentoring, the drawing on the experiences and innovations of mountain growers, We have demonstrated that large-scale organic vegetable production is a practical option for burley tobacco producers who want to transition into alternative farming systems and crops the involvement of the local Cooperative Extension Service, the provision of small financial grants, technical assistance and support networking, sustainable and organic production is feasible and profitable and well-suited to the diversity of growing conditions in the mountains.

While further research demonstration and education is necessary to advance organic and sustainable production systems in western North Carolina the clear and critical need is for expanded community, regional, national and international markets for quality agricultural commodities that are being pr Get Fresh - Buy Appalachian! logo

oduced in the mountain region. In addition to strengthening and building capacity of local-farmer owned and farmer-focused marketing operations, there is a critical need for developing a sustainable farming and food infrastructure that would include post-harvest handling, storage, and value-added operations and distribution components. Also needed are coordinated comprehensive consumer focused assessment, education and promotion campaigns that facilitate understanding of emerging consumer preferences, and the development of effective promotion campaigns that facilitate community-based food and farming systems that are health promoting and economically viable.

2004 ASAP Transition Program

What: This is the application packet for burley tobacco farmers interested in participating in the 2004 ASAP Transition Program. The ASAP 2004 Transition Program is supported by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

Why: Burley tobacco has long been the cornerstone commodity for WNC farmers, allowing many farms to operate profitably because of the stability in the tobacco market. The quota cuts over the past few years have caused many farmers to lose the ability to make a living on their farms and each year there is considerable conversation related to a buy-out of tobacco quotas. Realizing the critical situation faced by area farmers, ASAP continues its commitment to helping farmers find other ways to make money on their farms.

How: The 2004 Transition Program will provide $5,000 each to ten eligible burley tobacco farmers selected to participate. These funds are paid to the farmers in three installments (50%, 30%, 20%) during the production season. Participation in this program requires farmers to fill out two surveys about their projects (during the project period), meet with evaluators at the project site to describe their project, possibly host a farm field day for other farmers and agricultural agents, and keep records related to their project and receipts of expenses equal to or more than the amount of funds granted. The selection of participants will be made by the ASAP Transition Program Working Group made up of ASAP staff and members representing the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Who: Farmers who have been and are currently involved with burley tobacco production, farm in Madison, Buncombe, Haywood or Yancey counties, and are committed to diversifying their farming and marketing operations and to engage in sustainable production methods, are eligible to apply for participation.

Qualifiers: Funding and project support is contingent on follow through of the financial commitment of the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

Important: The grants will be awarded to farmer projects that show innovation and can serve as examples for other farmers. These grants can not be used to pay off existing debt and can not be used for conventional tobacco production.

Farmers participating in the ASAP Transition Program can expect to have:
1. Technical Assistance in production, organic certification (if necessary) and marketing (at no cost to the farmer). This
includes farm visits and a phone hotline for questions.
2. Education and Training Opportunities through existing educational programs, field days, demonstration farms, and
special workshops. These services will be provided at no cost to the farmer.
3. Direct Financial Assistance related to expenses associated with production and/or certification.
4. Links to sustainable agriculture information networks (with production and promotion support through these links).
ASAP expects participating Transition Program farmers to:
1. Keep accurate financial records and provide receipt documentation related to direct project expenses.
2. Develop, maintain and share enterprise records related to various crops and production systems.
3. Host farm tours and farm field days during the project period.
4. Provide guidance to other farmers seeking information and advice on similar enterprises.

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