Since 2010, when Hewitt made the first loan to a friend who needed help expanding her small Greek restaurant, Slow Money NC has catalyzed over 300 loans totaling about $4 million to 125 small farmers and local food businesses.
Kids Seed Co. promotes generational sustainability
A few summers ago, Laszlo told his parents, Thomas Stern and Laura Gazzano, that he wanted to set up a stand to sell cucumbers in their driveway. Now 8 years old, Lazlo and his two younger sisters, Mina and Csilla, play a central role in the family business, an online seed store that launched on Thanksgiving 2017.
WNC farmers and beekeepers collaborate to support honeybee health
Beekeepers in the United States experienced an estimated 40 percent loss in their colonies between April 2017 and April 2018, and last year, North Carolina’s honeybee population experienced a 50 percent loss, no doubt impacting the state’s $84 billion agriculture industry.
Jon Nilsson promotes biochar as soil superstar
“With charged biochar, you’re building a better biome for the plant, permanently changing soil’s ability to hold nutrients, water and beneficial biology,” Nilsson says. “You can buy a carbon-sequestering tomato that was organically grown and also contributed to building the biome — it’s a path out of climate change.”
Local seed libraries give the gift of gardening
The Black Mountain Public Library and UNC Asheville offer programs that provide free seeds to the community.
WNC farmers look to new business models after last year’s flooding
In April, Cane Creek Valley Farm in Fletcher will open two of its organic fields to the community through a new garden-share program that’s aimed at bolstering the small, family-owned operation against the damaging effects of weather events.
Asheville GreenWorks hosts inaugural tree giveaway
Hundreds of native tree varieties, including pawpaws, maples, oaks, river birches, sourwoods and more, will be up for grabs at the March 30 event.
Hemp farmers and CBD businesses adjust to a shifting legal landscape
When Melissa Clark, owner of Hemp Magik, opened the doors to her Woodfin storefront on the morning of Feb. 14, she was hit with quite a shock: A search warrant from the Woodfin Police Department was sitting on her counter. Listed in it were four felony charges. “I was shaking,” says Clark. “I’ve never been […]
N.C. Ginseng Association expo digs into the plant’s profits and possibilities
The March 16 gathering at Warren Wilson College will offer informative panel discussions, competitions, tastings and more.
Organic Growers School Spring Conference moves to Mars Hill University
The Organic Growers School Spring Conference brings its roster of workshops, seed exchange, children’s programming and more to a new venue.
Foothills Food Hub will expand opportunities for WNC farmers
The McDowell County project will offer cold storage facilities, a wash station and a commercial kitchen for area growers.
Year in review: Noteworthy WNC farm and garden news
From hemp to herd shares, 2018 was a year of growth and change for WNC farmers and gardeners.
Seasonal greetings: Holiday shopping can be a gift to WNC farmers
Many area growers rely on holiday sales of their food products and handicrafts to help carry their businesses through the winter season.
From practical to crafty to offbeat, local retailers offer gift options in WNC
Give Amazon.com a rest — Western North Carolina is full of small, independent retailers, where the only thing cookie-cutter is the display of, well, cookie cutters.
Local garden supply stores keep Asheville growing
Grigg Sheffield, owner of L.O.T.U.S Urban Farm and Garden Supply, opened his shop 6 years ago and says that the biggest trend he sees is that the consumer base is more educated, curious and knowledgeable. “There’s a big move towards understanding what’s in your food and how it’s grown,” he says.
CBD business budding across WNC, nation
Are CBD businesses — which are exploding across WNC and elsewhere — laying down the tracks, preparing for an expansion into legal marijuana? The answer depends on whom you ask. Many local CBD entrepreneurs say they’ll continue their focus on the health benefits of CBD, regardless of whether medical or recreational marijuana are legalized in the state.
WNC farmers use AgOptions grants to expand and diversify
With amounts ranging from $3,000 to $6,000, the grants may seem small but can have a huge impact on growing farming operations.
Slow Food Asheville and Twin Leaf Brewery celebrate the candy roaster squash
The Oct. 25 event features a small-batch candy roaster grisette ale and a potluck gathering.
Are females the future of WNC farming?
Despite the unique set of challenges it presents, WNC women are increasingly looking to agriculture as a business option.
Planting edible perennials increases food system resilience in WNC
Cultivating low-maintenance perennial food producers like asparagus, rhubarb and artichokes has benefits for both the soil and the gardener.
Fallen leaves offer great garden benefits
Local city governments offer leaf collection and processing services, but residents can also put their own fallen leaves to good use.