Our Advocacy: Grounded in the Needs of Farmers and Community

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At WNC From the Ground Up, our policy and advocacy work is shaped by one core truth: when farmers thrive, communities thrive. We work at the intersection of agriculture, food access, and rural policy to make sure the systems meant to support people actually work for the people doing the work—especially in Western North Carolina.

These are the narratives guiding our efforts:

Farmland is disappearing at an alarming rate—and once it’s gone, we don’t get it back. We advocate for farmland preservation because protecting agricultural land is essential for food security, economic vitality, and generational opportunity. Our work supports local, state, and federal policies that prioritize keeping land in the hands of farmers.

Farmers shouldn’t have to choose between growing food and making ends meet. We believe every program, policy, and grant should center the economic reality of small and mid-sized farms. If farmers can’t survive, there is no local food system—period.

Food hubs, cold storage, delivery vans, and retail space aren’t extras—they’re infrastructure. Just like roads or broadband, our food systems need real investment to support rural economies and ensure access to fresh, healthy food. We advocate for funding that builds the backbone of a regional food economy.

We’re a grassroots organization built by and for this region. We believe the most effective solutions come "from the ground up." Our policy work centers local voices, especially those of farmers, and rural families.

Food insecurity and farmer struggle are symptoms of the same broken system. We’re proving it’s possible to feed our neighbors and support our farms at the same time. Programs like FarmsSHARE and the Healthy Opportunities Pilot show what’s possible when we bridge food access and economic development.

We don’t lock farmers into rigid contracts. We believe in flexibility, transparency, and respect. Our approach prioritizes trust and partnership—giving farmers the autonomy to grow and sell on their own terms, without being bound to one system or organization.

Western North Carolina is often overlooked when it comes to state and national policy. We’re changing that. Our region deserves targeted investment—not trickle-down support. We advocate for rural voices to be heard and rural needs to be met.