The ASAP Farmers Market at A-B Tech, organized in response to the COVID-19 emergency, has taken extraordinary steps to ensure public health. These protocols were reviewed and approved by the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services as best practices. The market takes place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. VISIT THE MARKET or PAY FOR YOUR PURCHASES
COVID-19 Resources
- Read about ASAP’s work in response to COVID-19.
- Learn more about the ASAP Farmers Market at A-B Tech, designed to keep shoppers and vendors safe.
- Read ASAP’s statement on why farmers markets are essential, as well as best practices for safe operations.
- Many farms are still accepting CSA members. Find one near you.
- Find other ways to buy directly with farmers during this uncertain time.
This Week on Growing Local Radio
Farm Fresh Each Week
During uncertain times, it can be comforting to know where your food comes from. Community Supported Agriculture is one way to make sure your kitchen is stocked with farm-fresh food each week.
Members sign up for a farm’s CSA at the beginning of the season. Each week, customers receive a box of produce, eggs, meat, or other items straight from a local farm. Pick up spots are arranged in advance and are often at the farm or other open-air locations. READ MORE
Growing Local airs on WNCW on Mondays during Morning Edition at 8:45 am, featuring the local food and farm stories we discover through our Local Food Research Center. Past broadcasts are archived on our website and can be heard on SoundCloud or iTunes.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
What’s Fresh March 27-April 2, 2020
This is normally the week we would be reporting on the opening dates for spring outdoor tailgate markets throughout the region. The COVID-19 emergency has left farmers markets, like most businesses, in a state of uncertainty. We will do our best to keep you posted on market schedules in the coming weeks, but it’s best to check directly with your market to confirm if it will be open or if it has changed shopping procedures. Contact details for farmers markets, as well as links to social media where the most up-to-date information is often posted, can be found in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide. READ MORE
New Reports from the Local Food Research Center
2017 UDSA Census of Agriculture: Initial Impressions
The USDA Census of Agriculture, released every five years, is the most comprehensive and consistent source of data available regarding farm businesses, farmland, and farmers, down to the county level, and is a valuable tool for our Local Food Research Center. The 2017 Census was released April 11, and our research team has been hard at work drawing initial impressions from the more than six million data points.
2018 Appalachian Grown Producer Report
This report contains the findings from our annual survey of Appalachian Grown farmers used to assess the impact of the Appalachian Grown program and ASAP’s support
