The growing network of relationships that comprises WNC’s local food system is far more complex than just farmer and buyer.
Asheville City Council, Buncombe Commissioners discuss racial equity, development in joint meeting
2018’s annual joint meeting of Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners highlighted issues of racial equity, police use-of-force and zoning conflicts affecting Buncombe residents.
Future transit efforts, concerns mirror Asheville’s past
Asheville as we know it today was built upon the back of its electric streetcar system, one of the largest networks of its time. As the city finds itself in a growth spurt once again, could its defunct trolley system provide some clues to Asheville’s transit future?
Wintering over: Cold-season markets yield year-round benefits for WNC consumers, farmers
Growing vegetables in limited daylight and freezing temperatures is no picnic. But Asheville-area winter markets feature a surprising selection of fresh, locally grown produce, thanks to savvy farmers.
Could Beer City kill Foodtopia?
Lower margins on Asheville’s craft brews could negatively impact local restaurants.
Clean congrats
ASHEVILLE
A clucking shame: WNC’s small poultry producers face uncertain future
The sudden closure of the area’s only poultry processing plant in October not only caused a pre-Thanksgiving scramble for local turkey producers, but continues to impact Western North Carolina’s small farms.
Christmas tree farmers strike balance in production practices
Asheville loves its organic produce. But the same shoppers who scrupulously avoid conventional fruits and vegetables may not think twice about the practices used to raise another of Western North Carolina’s agricultural mainstays — Christmas trees.
Quick dish: A Q&A with Emilios Papanastasiou of Post 25
A second-generation American, Papanastasiou talks about life in a family of Greek restaurateurs and what it’s like keeping up with three busy Asheville bars and eateries.
Asheville candidates belly up to the bar on food issues
Asheville City Council and mayoral candidates fielded questions about everything from childhood hunger to city-county food policy partnerships at a recent food-focused forum at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Branching out: WNC cider scene continues to grow with help from apple country
WNC cideries prefer to source their ingredients locally whenever possible. Yet April through August, it can be especially difficult to secure enough local apples to meet production demands.
Yeast tamers: WNC brewers explore the potential of brettanomyces
Brettanomyces, commonly known as “brett” in the brewing community, was traditionally regarded as a wild beer contaminant. But this wild card is beloved by Asheville-area brewers looking to spice up their offerings with unique flavors.
WNC residents, officials gather to discuss railroads’ future
Community and business representatives from across the rail industry gathered in Asheville on Sept. 22 for the Railroads & Regional Economic Development Conference. Organized by the WNC Rail Committee, the conference revealed some hints of how railroads may adapt to changing times.
Mission Health undertakes massive construction projects
Mission Health President and CEO Ron Paulus has touted one of the system’s current construction projects, the Mission Hospital for Advanced Medicine, as the single biggest investment in the history of Western North Carolina.
Cleaned out
Asheville, N.C.
Workshop shares knowledge for raising crops on the forest floor
Many cultures around the world cultivate native, shade-loving plants beneath the forest canopy. Recently, more farmers in the United States have been getting excited about the potential of forest farming to diversify their crops while preserving natural environments. A forest farming workshop on Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1, is geared to farmers of all levels who are interested in growing in the shade.
Asheville Coffee Expo broadens its focus and footprint
This year’s festival expands onto Depot Street, adding tea vendors, yoga, cupping sessions and more.
Open Streets Asheville: Shape Your City
The streets of downtown Asheville were free of cars on Sept. 17 — but that doesn’t mean they were quiet. Open Streets Asheville returned for its second year, filling the roadways with people and activities, including art, dance, sports and music.
Esprit de core
Asheville, N.C.
Explore Asheville CVB celebrates new office, brand & independence
The dreary Wednesday morning weather couldn’t put a damper on a 1 p.m. reception celebrating the new office location of the recently-rebranded Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Farmed out to table
Asheville, N.C.