1/14THURSDAY |
Webinar: Resources for New and Beginning FarmersThis free webinar is designed to offer an overview of regulatory and planning pieces to consider in building a farm business. Join agricultural and small business professionals to learn about the variety of programs and resources available to farms in our region and where to go for additional support. Register and find out more. |
1/21THURSDAY |
Virtual Farmers Market SummitASAP’s annual convening for farmers market managers will be held virtually this year. This is a chance to share resources, experiences, and best practices around budgeting, fundraising, grants, promotions, and SNAP access. The summit is free for market leadership, but does require registration. If you operate a farmers market within the Appalachian Grown region and are interested in participating, contact Mike McCreary. |
2/25–2/27THURSDAY–SATURDAY |
Business of Farming ConferenceOur annual farmer conference will go virtual in 2021 to safely bring together professional farmers to network and share resources to grow their farm businesses. Farmers learn about marketing, business planning, and management from regional experts and innovative farmers. The conference is designed for beginning and established farmers, and those seriously considering farming as a profession. Register and find out more. |
Upcoming Events
This Week on Growing Local Radio
Fresh Food all Winter
As winter farmers markets open for the season, you might be wondering how those tender greens were grown during some of the coldest months of the year. Over the past several years, more local farmers have been using tools and techniques to extend the growing season, making fresh lettuce and greens available through most of the winter. 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 Jan. 15-21
Looking to spice up your winter farmers market shopping routine? Try microgreens! These delicate morsels pack a significant flavor punch and will be available at markets all winter. Look for them from Sleight Family Farm and Myseanica Family Farm at ASAP Farmers Market or Asheville Microgreens at River Arts District Farmers Market. READ MORE
Recent Reports from the Local Food Research Center
2019 Appalachian Grown Producer Survey Report
June 2020: In ASAP’s mission to support Southern Appalachian farms and build a local food system, we developed the Appalachian Grown (AG) branding program in 2007 with the goal of expanding local market opportunities for farmers by providing a way for the public to easily identify products from local farms. We send a survey to all AG farms annually to assess the impact of program services and support and gather feedback to shape the program’s future direction. This report contains the findings from the survey sent to 800 Appalachian Grown farmers in November of 2019.
COVID-19: Impact on Southern Appalachian Farmers and Vendors Selling to Direct Markets
March 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent closure of restaurants, schools, events, and in some places, disruption of farmers markets, is having an immediate and potentially devastating impact on farmers and vendors selling to local markets in the Southern Appalachians. In order to better understand these experiences and how to best support these farm and food businesses, ASAP surveyed the farmers and vendors in their network. Read the press release about the report.
EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems Food and Farm Assessment
November 2019: ASAP’s Local Food Research Center completed a Food and Farm Assessment in the seven western counties of North Carolina and on the Qualla Boundary to guide the work of the EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems Project.
