A Serendipitous Encounter at the Market Every once in a while, I go to a market expecting to just browse, but instead, I stumble upon a story that absolutely demands to be written. That’s exactly what happened when I met Ric...
The Golden Hour Picnic It’s early summer, and we’ve finished our burgers, crumpling the greasy wrappers and depositing them into covered bins. We return to our blanket, sipping the last of our sodas. It’s just ab...
On February 28, 2026, I had the rare chance to step back in time at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site. I was there to see the reenactment of the Battle of the State of Franklin, which stands out as one of the most unusual and ...
The Appalachian Highlands have some of the nation’s richest biodiversity and most productive agricultural landscapes. However, a quiet siege constantly threatens our timber stands, orchards, and pastures. Consequently, Natio...
The Mini Highland Cow: A Spark of Connection Carter giggles as the fuzzy creatures crowd him, nuzzling his hand, competing for treats and chin scratches. “Okay, okay! There’s enough for all of you!” Carter is sev...
Searching for Your Local Food Source Do you care where your food comes from? Who grew it? Who raised it? Are they local?Plenty of us who ask these questions gladly frequent farmers markets and farm stands all season long. But what...
The Farmstand- Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA
On the brink of the 2026 growing season, RAFI teamed up with Faithfull Farms to host an in-person Four-Season Market Garden Planning Workshop led by Howard Allen. The post Four-Season Read more
RAFI is hiring a Data Manager to help tell the story of our work through data. This role will strengthen how we collect, manage, and use information across programs, communications, Read more
The Southeast Cohort Project Manager is a full-time RAFI role leading a regional cohort of Direct Service Providers who help Southeastern farmers navigate financial distress. Reporting to the DBAN Project Read more
Local sourcing programs funneled healthy foods to those that needed it most. With food assistance dollars disappearing, aid groups are piloting solutions to keep farm-grown foods on pantry shelves. The Read more
RAFI is pleased to announce the appointment of Mo Murrie to join Kavita Koppa as RAFI’s new co-executive leadership team. Both directors have risen through the ranks of RAFI and Read more
Because of last fall’s federal government shutdown, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has updated the schedule for County Committee elections, which help guide how USDA programs are delivered locally. Read more
News From Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project
If you’ve been online lately, you may have seen 2026 declared as the year of the cabbage, but foodies and farmers market goers know that cabbage never really needed to be trending. Long before social media anointed the humble, layered globe as the vegetable of the moment, communities across the [read more]
Through the winter season, many produce items aren’t able to make their grand debut until later in the season, but root crops help get us through. Winter markets reward curiosity! If you’re up for a scavenger hunt and trying something new, daikon radishes bring a crunchy and zingy freshness to [read more]
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor not only the leaders, artists, and scholars who have shaped history, but also the culinary traditions that have sustained Black communities for generations. This time of year, farmers markets are rich with winter greens and vibrant root vegetables, especially collard greens and [read more]
George Frangos is the co-founder and co-owner of Farm Burger, which has multiple locations across the Southeast, including two in Asheville. George has a deep respect for the land and the people who farm it. Through his time at multiple high-end farm-to-table restaurants, George transfers his expertise and passion into [read more]
Valentine’s Day is one of the few days a year designated to showing your love and appreciation towards your significant other, friends, family, or whoever may be special to you! While you don’t have to wait for a special day to show your fondness, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about roses [read more]
With less produce variety this time of year, now is the time to see what local meat producers have to offer! Whether you are hosting a lively gathering or cozying up with the family, farmers market meat options can bring a warm nourishment to your home. Please note that Weaverville [read more]