APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT

Programs: As part of asap's local food campaign, capacity building work gives farmers and buyers the skills they need to succeed in promoting and developing our local food economy. The appalachian grown program provided farm planning and market development services to more than 1000 farms and businesses, and assisted nearly 100 farmers markets to understand best practices, promote themselves, and navigate the regulatory environment. The program held its 11th annual asap business of farming conference, delivering 15 workshops to more than 200 participants in 2014. Asap's local food campaign also builds interest in local farms and food in western nc and the southern appalachians. Asap published 50,000 copies of the local food guide in 2014. Cumulatively, all asap websites had more than 275,000 visits in 2014. Our websites are cited by multiple farmers as a key source of customer traffic. The appalachian grown regional

branding and certification program certified 650 farms. More than 350 businesses including grocers, restaurants, distributors, hospitals, colleges, and public schools participated in the program. Local food campaign organizers collaborated with farmers, restaurants, school systems, hospitals, and multiple grocers to develop point of purchase promotions and support use of the appalachian grown brand. Asap also provided matching funds to support local farm promotions by farmers and others. Asap's

farm field trips, gardens, and locally grown food served in school cafeterias to 14,249 children in 21 counties. Approximately 220,000 pounds of local produce were procured by area school nutrition services. Asap provided training to nearly 2,200 professionals working with children, so that they can integrate local food and farm based activities into the curriculum. More than 36,000 copies of resources were shared. Funds were distributed to 17 teachers and community health professionals, impacti