Growing the Appalachian Food Economy:
A Forum on Local Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture

An Appalachian Regional Commission Conference
Co-Sponsored by USDA Rural Development, the Ford Foundation,
the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, and the Appalachia Funders Network
Hosted by the State of North Carolina

A fast-growing demand for local food and the need for economic diversification today are moving Appalachian communities to use their food assets and sustainable agriculture in creative ways to help revitalize their economies. By providing support for local food systems, community leaders can help build stronger links between producers and consumers, keeping more income and wealth in the local economy.

To help expand the role of food assets in local economic development in Appalachia, ARC hosted a forum on local food systems and sustainable agriculture on April 3–4, 2012, in Asheville, North Carolina. The forum provided an opportunity for community leaders; economic development officials; farmers; food producers, processors, and distributors; and public and private funding partners to share ideas and learn practical ways local food systems can increase employment opportunities, spark entrepreneurial ventures, and build local wealth in Appalachian communities.

Media Coverage
See media coverage of the forum here:

Asheville Citizen-Times op-ed by ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl, April 2, 2012

Asheville Citizen-Times article, March 31, 2012