Buy Haywood week continues! Tina Masciarelli has provided us information on some of Buy Haywood’s farming & agriculture project in Haywood county:
Cooking Local Project 
A two-year grant funded initiative that will conclude in December 2013. The project aimed to foster healthy eating and increase the sale of locally grown fruits and vegetables in Western North Carolina through expanded knowledge of fresh food preparation and nutrition education.
Local chefs partnered with farmers to conduct a series of cooking demonstrations in Haywood, Jackson, and Buncombe counties. Each demonstration featured a locally-grown specialty crop, the farmers who grew it, and a local chef who demonstrated how to transform fresh in-season ingredients into a simple, healthy and affordable dish.
From May to October, Buy Haywood facilitated twelve events in 2012 and thirteen events in 2013—at a variety of venues including farmers markets, agriculture related festivals, and other community events.
During the 2013 season alone, Buy Haywood distributed 1,942 samples to a diverse population of consumers across two counties. Our extraordinary outreach was a direct result of joint-county collaboration with MountainWise in Haywood and Jackson counties—and the standard of professional excellence on the part of Intervention Lead partners, Keelin Schneider (former Lead in Haywood County) and Melissa McKnight, Intervention Lead in Jackson County.
Find your Adventure! Haywood County Agritourism Guide
Formerly known as the Farm Map and Brochure, this unique and popular publication crisscrosses Haywood County offering year-round opportunities to explore agritourism. We print and distribute 10,000 copies—updated annually—as well as feature an online version. This agritourism project is designed to appeal to a vibrant and diverse demographic of travelers interested in the rich farming and agricultural heritage of our county.
Agritourism is commonly defined as agriculture related outdoor recreation, educational experiences, entertainment, unique hospitality services as well as the opportunity to visit farms—from sprawling acres to small family-owned and operated farmsteads. In addition to being hailed as a “primary force” in our modern economy, agritourism has historical roots throughout our region dating back to the early 19th century.
This project has experienced exponential growth through our partnership with the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. The TDA’s enthusiastic and highly skilled team has exploded our marketing opportunities by extending our reach to over 8,400 travel and leisure publications and more through their Visit NC Smokies website, blog, and extended audiences. Special thanks to the leadership and vision of Lynn Collins, Executive Director.
Farmer to Chef Project
This project is designed to foster a direct relationship between local chefs/restaurateurs and Haywood County farms. A list of our Farm to Table restaurants can be found on our website.
Our searchable Online Directory offers consumers an opportunity to locate a multitude of Haywood County agripreneurs—farms, growers, producers and their uniquely local products.
Check back tomorrow to hear more about Buy Haywood’s outreach initiatives!