Agricultural traditions in Western North Carolina stretch back generations, particularly farming tobacco and raising cattle, but the idea of a local food movement is still relatively new. When ASAP was founded in the mid-1990s, the idea of consumers seeking out local food and supporting small farms was in its infancy. Charlie Jackson, executive director of … Read more
Let’s say you want to get your hands dirty, but don’t have your own garden. Or maybe you want to support the local food movement, but don’t know where to start. Volunteering at a farm, community garden, or local food event is a great way to feel connected and use your strengths to improve the … Read more
Every farmer has a story, and so do the foods they produce. When you see strawberries at the farmers market or local cheese on a menu, it’s worth thinking about the people who spent months and sometimes years producing your next meal. Many farmers spend early mornings picking blueberries by hand at the peak of … Read more
Elementary students rush into the cafeteria at North Buncombe Elementary School in Asheville, North Carolina. Kirk Fiore, a chef from the Biltmore, is here with kale pesto for the kids to taste. The kale was grown at the estate and prepared with these students in mind. Today’s test test is part of the Biltmore’s efforts … Read more
Deep in the mountains of Western North Carolina, there’s a plant that’s been prized for hundreds of years. Ginseng is a slow-growing perennial with valuable roots that can be exported to Asia where it’s sought after for its medicinal properties. Ginseng has provided Southern Appalachian families with a boost in income during lean times, and … Read more
Kids and gardening go hand-in-hand, especially in springtime. Planting seeds, harvesting vegetables, and learning how to enjoy food you grew yourself are just some of the benefits of school gardens. Math and science lessons come alive in the garden, and experiential learning reinforces everything from language arts to nutrition. Now is the time to start … Read more
It’s officially spring in the mountains and farmers are hard at work. In between preparing fields, planting seeds, and welcoming baby animals onto the farm, many farmers are also getting spring produce ready for market. Several outdoor markets start up this weekend. The North Asheville Tailgate Market at UNCA starts April 1st, 2017. So does … Read more
Highlands Family Farm sits on 125-acres of beautiful farmland in Burke County, North Carolina. Farmer Daniel Wall and his business partner Jon Mercer come from decidedly different backgrounds, but together with their young families they’ve started a farm that promotes their shared commitment to sustainable agriculture. Daniel Wall does the hands-on work at the livestock … Read more
Running a farm goes beyond planting and harvesting. It also takes a tremendous amount of business knowledge. Crafting and sticking to a budget, planning what and when to plant, and strengthening a year-long farm business plan are essential to having a successful farm. Paige Witherington of Pine Pitch Organic Farm in Penrose, North Carolina turns … Read more
Winter farmers markets are becoming more commonplace now, but not too long ago it was tough to find local greens, root veggies, and winter squash direct from farmers during the coldest months of the year. ASAP’s Local Food Guide began tracking venues for local food, including farmers markets, in 2002. In 2003, only the Henderson … Read more