Local Food Research Center - ASAP Connections

A strong focus on research and evaluation informs ASAP’s work. In 2011, ASAP launched the Local Food Research Center to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. In addition to an annual survey report on the state of family farms in the region, the Local Food Research Center has delved into subjects including the shift from tobacco farming to local food, the rise in sustainable production practices, food access at farmers markets, and more.

We are committed to partnering with other food system practitioners in our research and sharing our findings with the public. We have also offered consulting to foundations, public agencies, and community organizations across the country.

Featured Reports

2023 Appalachian Grown Producer Survey Report

Every year since the Appalachian Grown program was founded, a survey has been sent to participating farms to assess the impact of services and gather feedback to shape the program’s direction. In November 2023, this survey was sent to 886 Appalachian Grown producers. We asked about experiences farming in 2023 and connecting with community members was a primary motivation.

Double SNAP Impact on Shoppers, Farmers, and Farmers Markets in Western North Carolina, 2022

This report is based on a survey of farmers market managers, vendors, and customer networks at markets that participated in the Double SNAP program in order to assess impact and gather feedback on the program. In 2022, this program doubled $124,325 SNAP dollars, directly supporting 80 family farms and small food businesses and nearly 1,000 families.

Western North Carolina 2017 Census of Agriculture Report

Every five years, the USDA conducts a Census of Agriculture and releases the most comprehensive and consistent source of data available regarding farm businesses, farmland, and farmers, down to the county level. This report presents findings from an analysis of Census of Agriculture data, exploring changes in food and farming in WNC and the region’s agricultural impact in the state.

The End of Tobacco and the Rise of Local Food in Western North Carolina

tobacco drying in the barn, photo by Sara Jones Decker

This report presents an analysis of Census of Agriculture data, assessing changes to farming in Western North Carolina in relation to the “tobacco buyout” and an effort to build a localized food economy. Anticipating the economic and cultural impacts the loss of tobacco would have on communities, a local food campaign was launched to provide farmers with alternatives.