ASAP Connections

Berry Jam 2022
2022-09-24 16:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Raspberry Fields, 370 Lindsey Loop Rd, Fletcher, NC, United States
Join Raspberry Fields for an evening of food, music and fun! $25 admission gets you dinner, beverages, and dessert. Vegetarian options also available. Proceeds go to the Double SNAP food program for the Hendersonville Farmers Market.
Double SNAP is a nutrition incentive program that makes it more affordable for community members who participate in SNAP to buy fresh, local food from Hendersonville Farmers Market. The idea behind doubling SNAP dollars at the market is that the incentives will attract more low-income shoppers and allow their grocery dollars to stretch further while simultaneously boosting local food producers’ income. In 2021, the Double SNAP program created $26,870 in
SNAP transactions at Hendersonville Farmers Market, translating to $26,870 in the pockets of our local food
producers and the same amount in fresh, local food going into the pantries of our low-income residents.
Food producers at the market reported that 15 percent of their revenue came directly from SNAP in 2021.
Ultimately this program helps keep taxpayer dollars in the community, promoting a resilient local economy and food system.

September Farm Tour at Hickory Nut Gap Farm
2022-09-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 57 Sugar Hollow Road , Fairview , NC, 28730, United States
This tour goes exploring through our 80 acres of working farmland. Head to the top of UFO hill for a spectacular view, walk alongside the creek through forest, see the grazing animals on pasture, and learn about regenerative agriculture. You will get an overview of our farm history and a more in-depth look at our regenerative farming practices. We will be traversing through tall grasses, so suitable footwear is suggested.
Adults: $50
Youth (Age 10-17): $30
Children (Under 10): Free

Equinox Botanical Walk with Abby Artemisia
2022-09-23 14:45 - 18:00 | Red Moon Herbs, 26 Davis Chapel Rd, Candler, NC, 28715, United States
Join Abby Artemisia for a late summer botanical walk. We will meet at Red Moon Herbs to carpool to a nearby location for an adventure into identification and medicinal uses of local plants. Some scholarships available for the BIPOC community, please contact info@redmoonherbs.com. $30.00
Founder of the WANDER (Wild Artemisia Nature Discovery, Empowerment, and Reconnection) School, Botanist, Herbalist, Forager, Educator, & Author, Abby Artemisia, lives in Appalachian North Carolina on the edge of the national forest. She learned about plants playing in the Midwestern woods of Ohio, working on organic farms, an herbal apprenticeship, a bachelor’s degree in Botany from Miami University, running her own tea business, and relationships with various Native Tribes, especially the Cherokee. She teaches about plant identification, ethical foraging, and working with plants for food and medicine throughout the country and at Wildcrafted Herb School. Her mission is offering nature and herbal education to create healing through connection with the natural world and each other. She is the author of The Wild Foraged Life Cookbook, and The Herbal Handbook for Homesteaders. She is the host of the podcast Wander, Forage, and Wildcraft, and founder of The WANDER School, which recently became a nonprofit to Decolonize Herbalism and provide herbs, herbal medicine, and botanical education to underserved communities.
Find out more at www.thewanderschool.com Tickets at https://redmoonherbs.com/products/herbal-education-classes?_pos=2&_sid=3f84cd70d&_ss=r

2023 WNCAgOptions Information Session
2022-09-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Konehete Park Meeting Room, 699 Connaheeta Street, Murphy, NC, 28906, United States
You are invited to attend an informational meeting about the 2023 WNC AgOptions grant program for growers and producers.
AgOptions staff will be present to discuss the program, go over the 2023 application timeline, and answer questions. Grants of $4,000 and $8,000 are available to farmers located within a 22-county area of Western North Carolina* in 2023.

2023 WNC AgOptions Information Session
2022-09-22 16:30 - 18:00 | Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Road, Boone, NC, 28607, United States

Autumn Equinox Celebration + Fundraiser
2022-09-21 15:00 - 18:00 | River Arts District Farmers Market, 289 Lyman St, Asheville, NC, NC, 28801, United States
Celebrate the Autumn Equinox with all your favorite market vendors, plus enjoy special events:
Enjoy live apple cider pressing by Fairview Fermentory! Cups of fresh cider will be available for purchase, with $1 of each cup going directly to support the RAD Market.
Shop our new RAD Farmers Market merch: t-shirts & tote bags!
Purchase tickets for a change to win a gift basket loaded with $150+ in local products.
Participate in a yoga class by Burning Sage Yoga from 4-5pm (sliding scale, $5-15)

2023 WNC AgOptions Information Session
2022-09-19 16:00 - 17:30 | Haywood County Co-operative Extension, 589 Raccoon Rd, Waynesville, NC, 28786, United States

Mycorrhizals for Farm and Garden
2022-09-18 10:00 - 16:00 | The Forest Farmacy, 24 Davis Lane, Marshall, NC, 28753, United States
Fungi inhabited planet Earth long before plants. They were the first roots.
Currently over 80% of plant life rely on fungal allies – mycorrhizals – for water and nutrients.
They are essential to all life on earth. Yet, we know very little about their role in our gardens and farms.
This one-day masterclass is a peek into the amazing, underground world where mycelium intertwines with roots in one of nature’s oldest and most intimate collaborations.

ASAP's 2022 Farm Tour
2022-09-17 12:00 - 2022-09-18 17:00 | NC
ASAP’s 2022 Farm Tour will take place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18, from noon to five each day. Passes are on sale now! One pass is good for everyone in your car at all farms, both days.
The annual Farm Tour is a chance to experience how food is grown and raised through guided tours, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and tastings. This is a family-friendly event and a great outing for visitors of all ages, abilities, and interests. The 19 farms on the tour are all located within an hour drive of Asheville and are arranged by cluster to help plan your weekend. The Farm Tour showcases the diversity of working farms in Western North Carolina with produce farms, creameries, vineyards, orchards, flowers, livestock, and more!

Carolina Jubilee
2022-09-16 10:00 - 2022-09-17 00:00 | Vanhoy Farms, 742 Jericho Rd, Harmony, NC, 28634, United States
Carolina Jubilee is an annual two-day music festival produced by Carolina Farm Trust. The festival supports the organization’s mission of strengthening local food systems in the Carolinas, from production to consumption. The
event will be held on September 16-17, 2022, at Vanhoy Farms in Harmony, NC. Carolina Jubilee features local and national music acts and, embodying the vision and mission of Carolina Farm Trust, all participating vendors are local or regional businesses. Food is served by farm-to-table restaurants that support NC-based sustainable farms, and beverages are provided by local breweries and a variety of NC distilleries and vineyards.

Raising Backyard Chickens
2022-09-14 11:00 - 12:30 | Henderson County Public Library – Edneyville Branch, 2 Firehouse Rd, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
Long for a flock of fine feathered friends, but aren’t sure how to get started? Ashley English will walk you through the basics of backyard chickens!
In this lecture, we’ll gather together to learn the basics of keeping a flock of backyard chickens. Ashley will discuss and provide helpful information on the following topics: What to consider beforehand; Breed selection; Obtaining chickens; Housing; Feeding; Chicks; Health & Wellness; Eggs
Ashley English is the author of 11 books, on topics ranging from raising chickens to canning and preserving, and more.
Free Program / Funded by the Friends of the Library
Registration Required- Call the Edneyville Library at 685-0110 to register.

Marketing and Pricing Workshops for Meat Handlers
2022-09-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Watauga County Extension Center, 971 West King Street, Boone, 28607
In 2022, NC Choices, in collaboration with our colleagues at Cornell University, launched two new and improved tools for NC’s meat handlers, a revised marketing tool: MeatSuite.com and a revised pricing tool: Cornell Meat Price Calculator tool.
The MeatSuite website allows consumers to search for NC farms selling meat in bulk quantities. From quarters and halves to convenient bundles, farms can list their products on MeatSuite for free. The new version includes numerous user-friendly features to promote your products to shoppers. NC Choices advertises the site statewide, so we find the customers and bring them to you!
The Cornell Meat Price Calculator (MPC) is available for free use at www.meatsuite.com. The user-friendly online tool allows farmers to set prices that ensure they reach farm financial goals. The new version allows NC farmers to create a free account and save their data. This way, as their costs change over time, they can revisit the site and make adjustments to their pricing to maintain profitability goals.
To support the launch of the new tools, NC Choices is hosting a series of “Meat Marketing & Pricing” workshops across parts of the state. NC Choices staff Sarah Blacklin, Lee Menius, and Matt LeRoux will demonstrate these new tools and present on related pricing and marketing topics at 4 locations around the state. A complete list of locations and dates, as well as registration details follow.
Presenters:
Matt LeRoux- Marketing Specialist at NC Choices & Cornell University
Matt has over 20 years’ experience serving farms through Cornell Cooperative Extension, non-profits, and consulting. Specializing in market strategy, Matt works with a diverse mix of produce and livestock farmers and food businesses. Career highlights include developing the Marketing Channel Assessment Tool for produce growers and the Cornell Meat Price Calculator.
Sarah Blacklin- NC Cooperative Extension Program Director at NC Choices.
Since 2003, Sarah has helped small NC farmers maximize direct and wholesale marketing efforts to enhance profitability. Sarah’s work has gained attention on the local and national level.
Lee Menius- Technical Specialist at NC Choices
Throughout his career, his work has focused on educational projects and working with producers to develop effective pasture-based systems.
Monday September 12 @ 6-8 pm (Meal at 5:30)
WNC Livestock Center, 474 Stock Dr. Canton, NC
Registration- https://forms.gle/b1AMT6CBHL5pSFDM7 Please register by Sept 9th
Call Buncombe at 828-255-5522 or Haywood at 828-456-3575 with any questions
Tuesday September 13 @ 6-8pm (Meal at 6:30pm)
Watauga Ag-Conference Center 252 Poplar Grove Road Boone NC
Please Call the Watauga Extension Office (828-264-3061) or email eddy_labus@ncsu.edu to register.

First Annual HarvestFest
2022-09-11 15:00 - 18:00 | Olivette Riverside Park, 1069 Olivette Rd., Asheville, NC, 28804, United States
Join us for a celebration of local farms and community, presented by the Olivette Riverside Community and Chatt Hills Music, benefitting ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program. Treats from local food makers and drinks from Wicked Weed Brewing and Vidl Wine. Bluegrass performance by The Barefoot Movement begins at 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 with free admission for farmers and their families.

A Savory Shindig
2022-09-10 18:00 - 21:00 | Daniel Boone Native Gardens, 651 Horn in the West Drive, Boone, NC, 28607, United States
Imagine a magical fall festival, a night in the Gardens, eating local foods, dancing, live music and celebrating our thriving local food system.
Funds raised from A Savory Shindig will support Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture’s work to build an equitable and sustainable food system where producers are thriving and local food is accessible to all.
Dance the night away with Uncle Dave’s Band and at the Cake Walk with delicious cakes and pies made by our community’s favorite bakers, including Stickboy Bread Company. And enjoy refreshing beverages from Appalachian Mountain Brewery and a fall-themed Shindig signature drink.
To ensure that more people in our community have an opportunity to attend, guests are welcome to purchase a ticket for someone else by contacting Dave Walker at dave@brwia.org. If you would like to attend but cannot cover the ticket price, please reach out to Dave Walker at dave@brwia.org.

Painting Class on the Farm
2022-09-10 16:00 - 18:00 | Happy Hens & Highland Farm, Burnsville, NC, 28714, United States
Come spend some time on the farm, hanging out with some of our Scottish Highland cows and learning to paint! No experience is necessary. You will be guided step by step by one of the talented artists from Monet & Chardonnay. Everyone will receive a prepared canvas and all painting materials at the start of the class. Feel free to bring your own beverages or snacks to enjoy while painting. The event will take place inside the barn, but you are free to wonder around the fields and spend time with the cows before and after the event. Cost of the event is $125.

Chestnut x Crow Fly Farms Whole Hog Wine Dinner
2022-09-07 18:00 - 21:00 | Chestnut, 48 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
We are having our first annual Whole Hog & Wine Dinner on Wednesday, September 7th, 2022! Chestnut has partnered with Crow Fly Farms, a Western North Carolina farm that raises Red Wattle hogs, Galloway cattle & Katahdins sheep, to bring you a special dining experience! Our Executive Chef Brian Crow explains a little about why we chose them –
“We wanted to do a whole hog dinner with an up and coming farmer and felt like Crow Fly Farms was the perfect fit for us and we share many of the same values. Doing things the right way isn’t always the easiest way but CFF is continuing to build a solid reputation on sustainable farming practices done the right way. We’re very excited to work with them and look forward to showcasing a five course dinner paired with wine around their heritage breed red wattle hog”.
Our Chefs have created 5 courses, all using the same Hog provided by Crow Fly Farms!
1st Course – Chef Noah Buchanan – Charcuterie Board
2nd Course – Chef Ashley Helms – Bourbon Glazed Pork Belly
3rd Course – Chef Brian Crow – Carnitas 3 Ways
4th Course – Chef Matthew Dorough – Fennel Dusted Porchetta
5th Course – Chef Mallory Foster – Grilled Pork Pound Cake
For more information about each course, Crow Fly Farms, or to reserve your tickets please visit https://www.westmorelandscully.com/event/crow-fly-farms-whole-pig-dinner/

2023 WNC AgOptions Information Session
2022-09-07 16:00 - 17:30 | Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station, 455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC, 28759

Henderson County Commission Meeting
2022-09-06 17:15 - 19:00 | Historic Courthouse, 1 Historic Courthouse Square, Second Floor, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
The county’s blueprint for growth is a recipe for sprawl. The recent community survey indicated a majority wish to retain the county’s rural and agricultural heritage by planning for good, smart growth. Eight citizen speakers will open the meeting to encourage smart growth. We want to show strong support by filling the seats – let the commissioners know how you feel!

Autumn Planting Lavender & Orchard
2022-09-04 12:00 - 2022-09-11 12:00 | Spiral Mountain, 96 Randall Cove Rd, Leicester, NC, 28748, United States
Please join us for a volunteer work week of autumn planting at our new farm in Sandy Mush, NC — Spiral Mountain.
Spiral Mountain is a 34-acre farm with five cabins with vision of community, growing food and learning together.
During this work week, we will be installing at least 50 lavender plants (and potentially as many as 300), and approximately 50 fruit and nut trees. We invite you to join us, whether it’s just for a day or for the whole week.
We have roughly 12 beds we can offer volunteers in cabins with electricity, plumbing, kitchens, and bathrooms. If you’d like a bed, please say so when you RSPV. We’ll reserve beds for people on a first come first serve basis. Volunteers are also welcome to camp on the land if you’d prefer.
Also, we’ll feed you! At the end of the work week, on the night of September 10th, we will have a full moon celebration to commemorate our first call to community and gathering on this land. We also have a no-chemical policy
*Also please drive slowly through Randall Glenn (our next door neighbor). Randall Glenn has lots of baby animals and a 5 mph speed limit! Thank you for being considerate!

September Barn Dance - Zydeco Ya Ya
2022-09-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 57 Sugar Hollow Road , Fairview , NC, 28730, United States
It’s time to kick off your shoes and dance in the Big Barn here at Hickory Nut Gap Farm in gorgeous Fairview, NC! Come out from 6pm-9pm to see Zydeco Ya Ya, a powerhouse band from the Piedmont area of the Carolinas and Georgia that play high energy that high energy Louisiana sound of Zydeco.
What goes better with high stepping, blaring accordion, the rhythm of a washboard and a cold brew better than some fabulous Southern food? We’ll have Root Down Farm‘s food truck, headed by Ben Holt out of Yancey County slinging some farm to table fare featuring all the local and seasonal delights the area’s got to offer.
Hickory Nut Gap will have a bar serving local beers, ciders, seltzers and non-alcoholic beverages to slake your thirst between jigs. We cannot wait to dust off our good boots and dance again with y’all.
PARKING: Please park in the lower parking lot, reserve the upper lot for limited mobility and handicapped customers and attendees.
ADMISSION:
4 years and under free!
5 years and older $8/each
Family Pack of 4 for $28 total
We will have a will-call list at the Admission Cabana, the purchaser will be the name on the ticket. If you buy multiple tickets or a Family Pack, the tickets will be under the same name. Please check in together if possible!

Sierra Club: Learn About the Buncombe County Bonds You Will Be Voting On In The Fall Election
2022-09-01 19:00 - 20:00 | Online/Virtual
During the November general election, Buncombe County voters will have the opportunity to support two separate general obligation bond measures.

Join us to learn about the bonds and to ask your questions.

A $30 million bond will support protection of productive farmland, natural landscapes, and clean water in our streams and rivers. County leaders have set a target of protecting 6,000 additional acres by 2030, so that fully 20% of the land in Buncombe County will be preserved for future generations. This bond will also support development of recreational trails and greenways across the community.
A $40 million bond will support affordable and workforce housing. County leaders have set a goal of ensuring that, by 2030, up to 3,150 new units of housing are available for our residents, workers, and future generations who are increasingly unable to afford the costs of living here.

With Terri Wells, Buncombe County Commissioner, and Jen Billstrom, co-chair of the Coalition for Better with Bonds
This meeting is free and open to the public, but you must register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Info Session Farm Beginnings- Organic Growers School
2022-08-30 19:30 - 20:15 | Online/Virtual
Farm Beginnings is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills that are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Come to our Information Session to learn about program curriculum, components, instructors, scholarships and course specifics. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals to clarify your goals and strengths, develop agricultural skills and grow profitable, equitable and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Market Readiness Series: Accepting SNAP/EBT Payments
2022-08-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Online/Virtual
Join us August 30 from 6-7:30 PM EDT for the fourth installment of our Market Readiness Series focusing on how farmers can become certified SNAP/EBT retailers and sell directly to SNAP shoppers in their community.
We will be joined by RAFI-USA’s own Angel Woodrum and Lisa Misch who will share the ins and outs of how to apply for SNAP retailer certification and begin accepting payments. We will also be joined by farmers who have experience accepting SNAP/EBT payments and adapting their local food markets to better reach low-income shoppers.

August Farm Tour at Hickory Nut Gap Farm
2022-08-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 57 Sugar Hollow Road , Fairview , NC, 28730, United States

Farm Fresh for Health Regional Symposium at Hendersonville Farmers Market
2022-08-27 09:00 - 14:00 | Hendersonville Farmers Market, 650 Maple Street, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
Throughout summer 2022 ASAP will present a series of regional symposiums for healthcare professionals in Western North Carolina to highlight the principles of Farm Fresh for Health. Each symposium will introduce key strategies and feature examples from ASAP and the community, including projects from ASAP’s Community in Action initiative. Attendees will take part in farm tours, hands-on activities, and facilitated discussion about how they can use Farm Fresh for Health tools in their own practices to improve health outcomes. Locally sourced meals will be provided. Find out more about the full series of events and register.

Assessing Value-Added Dairy Business Expansion Workshop
2022-08-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station, 455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC, 28759
The Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (SDBII) is hosting a series of workshops focused on assessing value-added dairy business expansion tools. Topics will include the following: Questions to consider when expanding your operation; tools for analyzing feasibility and profitability; Case study – growing a value-added dairy enterprise at Middle Tennessee State University Creamery; and applying for the value-added producer grant to help expand your business. Hal Pepper from University of Tennessee’s Center for Profitable Agriculture and Sarah Cornelisse from Penn State Extension are the instructors. NC State Extension is hosting this series at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center in Mills River (8/25) and the Chatham County Extension Center in Pittsboro (8/26).

2022 Piedmont NC Strawberry Preplant Meeting
2022-08-19 13:00 - 17:30 | Alexander County Soil & Water, 151 W Main Ave, Taylorsville, NC, 28681, United States
Strawberry Growers: Whether you are a new farmer or an established producer looking to expand your customer base, this workshop will offer an overview of current strawberry production and marketing strategies for the piedmont of North Carolina.

Growing Faith Farms Grand Opening
2022-08-13 10:00 - 20:00 | Growing Faith Farms, Russell Gap Rd., Moravian Falls, NC, 28654, United States
Join us for an action-packed day with outdoor activities including: axe throwing, corn hole, a bouncy house for the kids, petting zoo, craft vendors, food and live entertainment. Our sunflower field should be in full bloom as well as several of our other cut flowers. For a nominal fee you
can cut your own bouquet and bring it home.
Live Music
11:00 a.m. Backstreet
2:00 p.m. Bryan Osborne and the Ashe Mountain Boys
5:00 p.m. Nite Company
Food Trucks include:
Dixie Donuts
Soul to Bowl
BJs Fry Shack
Angry Troll Brewing

Bouquet Making Workshop at Springhouse Farm
2022-08-12 17:00 - 19:30 | Springhouse Farm, 433 Silverstone Road, Vilas, NC, 28692, United States
Join Springhouse Farm and Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture for an evening in the flower field! We will start the evening with a farm tour of Springhouse farm. This will be followed by a bouquet making workshop and everyone will have the opportunity to make their own bouquet.
This will be followed by a potluck in Springhouse farm’s new pavilion! We are planning to fire up their wood fired oven to make pizzas, so please bring a topping to share and/or another dish to share. The dough, sauce and cheese will be provided. Please bring your own plate, utensils and drinking vessel. (We will have paper products available too).
The cost of the workshop is on a sliding scale from $10-$30. Please pay what you what you can.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a water bottle.
This workshop is part of Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture’s 2022 CRAFT Workshop Series. Blue Ridge Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) cultivates meaningful mentor relationships between aspiring and experienced farmers.

Basics of Dairy Foods
2022-08-11 08:00 - 2022-08-12 13:00 | Schaub Hall, NC State University, 400 Dan Allen Dr, 400 Dan Allen Dr, NC, 27606, United States
Hands-on short course for anyone interested in value-added dairy processing! NC State Extension is offering a short course on the basics of dairy food processing on August 11th and 12th. The course is geared toward small operations and will have a half day, hands-on demonstration for yogurt production. The cost if you register before August 5th is $200.
