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<\/a><\/b><\/h2>\nA two-year grant funded initiative that will conclude in December 2013.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
Local chefs partnered with farmers to conduct a series of cooking demonstrations in Haywood, Jackson, and Buncombe counties.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
From May to October, Buy Haywood facilitated twelve events in 2012 and thirteen events in 2013\u2014at a variety of venues <\/b>including farmers markets, agriculture related festivals, and other community events.<\/p>\n
During the 2013 season alone, Buy Haywood distributed 1,942 samples to a diverse population of consumers across two counties.\u00a0 Our extraordinary outreach was a direct result of joint-county collaboration with MountainWise in Haywood and Jackson counties\u2014and the standard of professional excellence on the part of Intervention Lead partners, Keelin Schneider<\/b> (former Lead in Haywood County) and Melissa McKnight<\/b>, Intervention Lead in Jackson County.\u00a0<\/p>\n\u00a0Find your Adventure! Haywood County Agritourism Guide<\/b><\/h2>\n
Agritourism is commonly defined as agriculture related outdoor recreation, educational experiences, entertainment, unique hospitality services as well as the opportunity to visit farms\u2014from sprawling acres to small family-owned and operated farmsteads. In addition to being hailed as a \u201cprimary force\u201d in our modern economy, agritourism has historical roots throughout our region dating back to the early 19th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n This project has experienced exponential growth through our partnership with the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority<\/a>.\u00a0 The TDA\u2019s enthusiastic and highly \u00a0 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.\u00a0 Special thanks to the leadership and vision of Lynn \u00a0 Collins<\/b>, Executive Director.<\/p>\n<\/a>Formerly known as the Farm Map and Brochure,<\/b><\/a>\u00a0 this unique and popular publication crisscrosses Haywood County offering year-round opportunities to explore agritourism.\u00a0 We print and distribute 10,000 copies\u2014updated annually\u2014as well as feature an online version.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\nFarmer to Chef Project<\/h2>\n