The topography of the Appalachian Highlands—characterized by steep grades, fragmented pastureland, and variable microclimates—has historically limited the efficiency of conventional mechanized agriculture. However, the 2025–2026 a...
I smelled them before I saw them. I was shin-deep in a creek, just off the main road, pushing through briars and humidity. I’d studied maps and looked for the right mix of shade and wet soil, but after two hours, I’d f...
A Peaceful Foreboding It crackles. Have you ever heard the sound of a wintry mix falling in the Appalachians? It sounds a bit like rain with its steady, calming rhythm, and a bit like hail, drumming the ground with more force of f...
Registration is open now for the annual event for professional and aspiring farmers. ASHEVILLE, NC (Jan. 14, 2026)—The 23rd annual Business of Farming Conference, presented by ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project), wi...
Ten years ago, the local food calendar in the Appalachian Highlands had a hard stop. Come November, the bright greens and reds of the farmers market changed into gray, and the region’s small producers hunkered down, budgetin...
VIRGINIA By Kathryn Jacobson She has an old type of beauty. I’m not quite sure why she feels that way; old. I suppose God put the dirt here at the same time he put the dirt everywhere else. It’s her wooden windmills an...
The Farmstand- Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA
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
High tunnels are powerful tools for season extension, improved yields, and risk reduction — but they require good management practices to deliver on these benefits. NC Tunnel Talks lets you Read more
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program from USDA Rural Development exists to help address those challenges, and the next application cycle is approaching quickly. The post Adding Value and Increasing Read more
RAFI's Come to the Table Program is seeking a part-time Communications Associate to support the CTTT team with its communications efforts. Working with the CTTT team, this role ensures that Read more
News From Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project
Due to the winter weather, both Asheville City Market and North Asheville Tailgate Market will be closed this Saturday, January 31. During this time of year, markets may need to make last minute adjustments or cancellations due to unpredictable weather. Keep up-to-date with your favorite markets through their social media and [read more]
Please note that Asheville City Market will be closed tomorrow, January 24. North Asheville Tailgate Market will remain open and has kindly welcomed some City Market vendors, like Lee’s One Fortune Farm, for the day. This time of year, markets may need to make adjustments or cancellations due to inclement [read more]
Amy Nance Nelson works as a registered nurse and integrative health coach at NC Agromedicine Institute. Founded in 1999, the institute is a collaboration between East Carolina University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and North Carolina State University. The collaboration aims to address unique health and safety risks [read more]
While we have fully entered the cold months, you can still find fresh, winter-season produce at Buncombe County farmers tailgate markets—just be sure to get there early before they sell out! Find a variety of greens, cabbages, potatoes, and root crops like radishes and beets along with other goods you [read more]
Markets are back! Buncombe County has four weekly year-round farmers tailgate market options this winter. Support farmers and food producers through the slower season and make sure to visit the winter market versions of Asheville City Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, River Arts District Farmers Market, and Weaverville Tailgate Market. [read more]
As daylight hours wane and the calendar year wraps up, many farmers in Western North Carolina let their fields begin to rest. This sacred time of year is filled with breaks from school, gathering loved ones together to share dishes passed down through the generations, taking a much needed rest [read more]