Recognizing the importance of crop diversity in a changing climate, local farmers are working to develop new crops for Western North Carolina.

Recognizing the importance of crop diversity in a changing climate, local farmers are working to develop new crops for Western North Carolina.
Mike Fortune started Green Hill Urban Farm nine years ago. It currently spans the yards of three West Asheville homes. Now, however, one of those properties is for sale.
The average age of Western North Carolina farmers is 57 and creeping higher every year. Where’s the next generation of agriculture entrepreneurs? Fortunately, a new breed of growers in their 20s and 30s are bridging the gap and applying innovative approaches to 21st century farming.