Our Mission
WNC From The Ground Up strengthens local economies, supports farmers' livelihoods, and enhances food security by expanding market access, working to preserve farmland, and ensuring fresh, locally grown food reaches all communities. Through education, advocacy, infrastructure development, collaboration, and strategic partnerships, we promote long-term vitality and adaptability in Jackson County and beyond.
Our Vision
WNC From The Ground Up envisions a thriving agricultural future where farmland is preserved, farmers prosper through enduring opportunities, and fresh, locally grown food is accessible for all future generations.
Our Values
WNC From The Ground Up leads with empathy and passion, champions farmer representation, advocates for farmland protection, and builds a strong and enduring local food system that nurtures communities for generations.
You cannot save the land apart from the people or the people apart from the land. To save either, you must save both.
Wendell Berry
The need for supporting farmland preservation in WNC hasn't changed in a long time.
Our Goals
Conservation of Farmland Through Expanded Markets:
Supporting Retention of Food Revenue in WNC & Creating Feasible Local Food Options for Residents:
Supporting Retention of Food Revenue in WNC & Creating Feasible Local Food Options for Residents:
By creating increased markets for farmers, we aim to conserve farmland while providing farmers with more income opportunities, enabling them to continue farming.
Supporting Retention of Food Revenue in WNC & Creating Feasible Local Food Options for Residents:
Supporting Retention of Food Revenue in WNC & Creating Feasible Local Food Options for Residents:
Supporting Retention of Food Revenue in WNC & Creating Feasible Local Food Options for Residents:
We prioritize keeping food dollars within Western North Carolina, strengthening our local economy and sustaining our communities.
Preserving Our Limited Farmland:
Supporting Retention of Food Revenue in WNC & Creating Feasible Local Food Options for Residents:
Supporting Healthy Initiatives and Collaborations:
We recognize the vital role farming plays in Appalachia and are committed to safeguarding our limited farmland. It's crucial to support our local economy by nurturing and preserving these essential agricultural spaces.
Supporting Healthy Initiatives and Collaborations:
Supporting Healthy Initiatives and Collaborations:
Supporting Healthy Initiatives and Collaborations:
We actively work to promote health-focused initiatives and build collaborative partnerships with organizations in Jackson County and surrounding areas to advance our shared community goals, including supporting the development of a commercial kitchen.
Safeguarding Agricultural Heritage and Culture:
Supporting Healthy Initiatives and Collaborations:
Safeguarding Agricultural Heritage and Culture:
We are committed to preserving the vibrant agricultural heritage and cultural traditions of Western North Carolina.
Current Projects
Farmer Support & Guidance, Including New Farmers
Identifying Agriculture Markets & Supporting Initiatives
Farmer Support & Guidance, Including New Farmers
Support resource development, training sessions, and guidance for farmers, including youth programs in partnership with local organizations and government agencies such as Cooperative Extension, USDA, NCDA and others.
Farmland Preservation & Food System Support
Identifying Agriculture Markets & Supporting Initiatives
Farmer Support & Guidance, Including New Farmers
Efforts in preserving agricultural land, supporting local food systems, raising awareness. Involves collaborating with organizations, organizing events, promoting conservation easements, and engaging in public outreach.
Identifying Agriculture Markets & Supporting Initiatives
Identifying Agriculture Markets & Supporting Initiatives
Events to Promote Local Food System & Agriculture Visibility
Identifying missing agriculture markets, supporting initiatives to establish businesses to address these gaps.
Events to Promote Local Food System & Agriculture Visibility
Events to Promote Local Food System & Agriculture Visibility
Events to Promote Local Food System & Agriculture Visibility
Farm-To-Table Dinners, Sylva Farmers Market, and Friends of Agriculture Breakfasts, plus farmland preservation information sessions.
Multiple Channels for Farmers & Food Accessibility
Events to Promote Local Food System & Agriculture Visibility
Multiple Channels for Farmers & Food Accessibility
Operates an online marketplace, FarmsSHARE, is a Human Services Organization with the Health Opportunity Pilot and developing farm-to-school programs to increase sales channels for farmers and address food insecurity.
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