Growing Local Radio Series

2020 was going to be a big year for Sunburst Trout Farms in Waynesville, North Carolina. The family-run business has over 70 years of experience raising and selling rainbow trout, and recently leased an additional farm to meet the growing […]Read More ▶▶

The food system in Western North Carolina has been fairly predictable for the past decade. Hundreds of farms in the region have found their niche—from vegetable growers selling at farmers markets, to roadside fruit stands, to meat and egg producers […]Read More ▶▶

Nutritious food is especially important during a crisis, yet children who rely on school meals may not have easy access to prepared foods at home. Many children and families depend on schools for most of their weekly nutrition.  Over half […]Read More ▶▶

Farming is inherently unpredictable. From the severe storms that flooded some local farms last week, to the challenges of getting food from the farm to the public, farmers face risk every year. This year, COVID-19 has compounded that uncertainty. Molly […]Read More ▶▶

Many activities for kids and families are on hold during social distancing, including schools and summer programs. Although groups of students won’t be gathering anytime soon, ASAP’s Growing Minds program has a new initiative to support children and their caregivers. […]Read More ▶▶

It was a Friday afternoon when Tou Lee from Lee’s One Fortune Farm found out that the Saturday market had been cancelled because of the COVID-19 restrictions placed on public gatherings that day. All spring, Tou and his wife and […]Read More ▶▶

Spring is a pivotal time for farmers and food producers who rely on direct sales. While each season comes with challenges and opportunities, spring can feel like a leap of faith. Farmers start new crops, artisan food producers plan production […]Read More ▶▶

During uncertain times, it can be comforting to know where your food comes from. Community Supported Agriculture is one way to make sure your kitchen is stocked with farm-fresh food each week. Members sign up for a farm’s CSA at […]Read More ▶▶

Spring is just around the corner, and along with longer days and warmer temperatures, the season brings the promise of farmers markets. But these markets don’t suddenly appear like daffodils after a warm spell. It takes months of planning to […]Read More ▶▶

Jona Felts and Gretchen Ferrell grow a little bit of everything at Open Ridge Farm in Yancey County, North Carolina. “As a diversified farm, we grow annual vegetables from A-Z, from asparagus to zucchini,” Jona says. When customers drive up […]Read More ▶▶