Buy Haywood and a few of our agripreneural partners—including Chef Jessica DeMarco of Copper Pot and Wooden Spoon, Skipper Russell and his GAP certified Seasonal Produce Farm, Chef Heidi Dunkleberg of Coffee Cup Cafe, Sunburst Trout Farms, Balsam Gardens, and Chef Ricardo Fernandez of Wildcat Ridge Farms, were fortunate to be featured in the April/May issue of Smoky Mountain Living magazine in an article, “Preserving Agricultural Heritage” by Jake Flannick.

Here is an excerpt:

In Haywood County, located in far Western North Carolina where both Interstate 40 and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park cross the Tennessee state line, the agricultural community is experiencing a period of regrowth, as community advocates have worked to preserve, and redefine, what many see as essential not only to the local economy, but to the community’s social fabric.

There are Christmas trees and broccoli rabe growers, trout fishers, cattle herders and cheese makers. Roadside stands and farmers’ markets abound. And there are the local businesses, including restaurants that base their menus on seasonal and local ingredients.

The local food trend has led to, among other things, more creativity in many kitchens.

Visit the magazine’s website for the full article, CLICK HERE.

Each time I present a community program about Buy Haywood, or give an interview to members of the media, the most frequently asked question is “Why local?”

According to Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, U.S. agriculture is connected to one in twelve American jobs.  Supporting local farmers, growers and producers strengthens rural economies and helps fuel innovation—at the local and regional level.  Agriculture is a big part of Haywood County and Western North Carolina.  Support of local agripreneurs keeps farms viable and preserves access to local products while protecting farmland and the rural character of the region.  In Haywood County alone, agriculture accounts for over $22 million dollars in annual revenue.

When we, as consumers, commit to supporting “local” we are building community resilience in economic, environmental and social sectors while also actively exercising our power to create the community we want (both present and future).

Since its inception in 2007, Buy Haywood has worked to connect our growing base of community-minded consumers with quality Haywood County grown products.  Our reach extends beyond “local food” to support over 700 farms encompassing more than 56,000 acres of farmland in Haywood County alone.  Our community of value-added producers, “Farm to Table” restaurants, and specialty food stores carrying items with locally grown ingredients is literally expanding every day!

For a list of local agripreneurs in our neck of the woods and surrounding communities, visit our Online Directory.

Buy Haywood, you will be glad you did!

—Tina Masciarelli, Buy Haywood Project Coordinator