Through our Local Food Campaign, ASAP works to drive public demand for local farm products, build farmer capacity to access market opportunities, and create connections within the food system. We offer the following services and resources for farmers and producers at all stages of starting and running a business.
Appalachian Grown Program
Certify your farm as Appalachian Grown and use the logo to identify your products as local, create a free listing in ASAP’s Local Food Guide, and connect with a larger network of farmers in the southern Appalachian region.
Farmer Consultations
ASAP and partner organizations offer free one-on-one consultations to farmers in Western North Carolina on managing marketing, financial, and production risk.
Farmer Toolkit
ASAP’s Appalachian Grown Farmer Toolkit, available for free online, offers an overview of available support and resources on business planning and marketing. This is a must-read for farmers just starting out.
Packaging & Branding Materials
ASAP offers a bulk purchasing program for Appalachian Grown–branded packaging materials. View and order materials online for pickup at ASAP’s office or delivery by mail.
Grower-Buyer Meetings & Market Connections
ASAP can help facilitate connections with area buyers, including restaurants, wholesalers, groceries, and schools. Check for upcoming Grower-Buyer Meetings; browse the Wholesale Local Food Guide; or contact us to discuss buyers that may be the best fit for your farm.
Business of Farming Conference & Other Events
ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference in February and other workshops and webinars throughout the year offer expertise in business planning, branding, financial management, risk management, marketing strategies, and more. In March, leading up to the traditional CSA season, ASAP facilitates CSA Fairs where the public can learn about CSAs, meet CSA farmers, and sign up. These fairs may vary by region. In the summer, ASAP hosts an annual ASAP Farm Tour to encourage the public to visit and connect with farms in the region.
Emergency Relief
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASAP launched the Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund in order to provide quick help to farmers through immediate needs grants and other support. In August 2021, in the wake of Tropical Storm Fred, we expanded the scope of this fund in order to provide emergency relief to farmers with significant loss due to natural disasters and other declared emergencies.