About 

High Country Grown is a marketing initiative to mature the High Country’s local food system and  increase consumer education with this collection of databases provides extensive lists of farms, CSA/farmers, farmers markets, community gardens, grocers, and restaurants that produce or sell High County-grown produce. Creating more demand by educating consumers about High Country-grown produce will increase the economic stability and sustainability of our community's farming operations. Shake the hand that feeds you! 

Connection to High Country Local First

High Country Local First (HCLF) is a non-profit organization based in Boone, NC that promotes local independent businesses and farmers through consumer education, marking and networking initiatives. HCLF works alongside local businesses, service providers and farms to strengthen the “buy local” movement in High Country, improve the economic base of the community, and keep wealth locally owned to support schools, civil services, and community improvements.

Databases

• CSA/Farmers: Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members are share-holders of the farm or garden and pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing. (Taken from the USDA website)
• Farms: The Farms listed on this page vary in what they grow from ornamentals to produce to meats. Some farmer's have produce stands on site or are willing to sell directly to the consumer. If you are interested in visiting a farm, please contact them first.
• Community Gardens: Community Gardens offer opportunities to farm or garden with a group of people, or to garden in designated plots if folks don't have their own space at home to grow fruits and vegetables. The High Country has several community gardens associated with churches, schools and private land.
• Farmers Markets:  Farmer’s Markets provide the opportunity for folks to talk directly with the farmer that grew the food and to ask questions about how the food was raised and produced.
• Producers/Grocers: Local food can also be found at area produce stands and select grocery stores.
• Restaurants: These restaurants realize the value of purchasing local food from farmer’s in order to serve the freshest ingredients to their customers.

Basic Info