NC Growing Together
North Carolina Growing Together (NCGT) was a six-year (2013-2018) USDA-funded project led by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. The overarching goal was to achieve greater food security by enhancing the economic viability of small and mid-scale farms and fishing operations and their communities.
This website archive contains news, resources, research, and other information about the project.
Partners
NC Growing Together was highly collaborative and included dozens of partners from across the state, spanning private, public, government/military, and university sectors. See the About page for more information.
Resources
NC Growing Together produced a large number of resources to support the growth and capacity of the entire local food supply chain including producers, supply chain intermediaries, local/regional food business developers, Cooperative Extension agents, and others. Visit our full library of NC Growing Together resources here.
- Cost Effective Procurement of Local Strawberries from NC (2015)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:01:20-04:00
Cost Effective Procurement of Local Strawberries from NC (2015)
- Understanding Packaging and Specifications for Wholesale MarketsShane McCoy2018-09-24T23:54:48-04:00
Understanding Packaging and Specifications for Wholesale Markets
- The Local Loyalty Project: Can Positioning a Regional Grocery Chain as a Purveyor of Local Foods Increase Customer Loyalty and Local Foods Sales? (2014)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:08:52-04:00
The Local Loyalty Project: Can Positioning a Regional Grocery Chain as a Purveyor of Local Foods Increase Customer Loyalty and Local Foods Sales? (2014)
- Webinar: North Carolina Councils of Government and Local Food EconomiesLaura Lauffer2016-11-26T09:34:08-04:00
Webinar: North Carolina Councils of Government and Local Food Economies
- Transportation Cost Transparency for TRACTOR Food Hub (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T11:59:06-04:00
Transportation Cost Transparency for TRACTOR Food Hub (2017)
- Successful Postharvest Handling: A Workshop Planning GuideWaystone Design2018-09-24T15:04:27-04:00
Successful Postharvest Handling: A Workshop Planning Guide
- Strategies to Increase Sales of Local Meat at Farmstands and Small Retailers (2018)Marcello Cappellazzi2018-09-27T11:55:09-04:00
Strategies to Increase Sales of Local Meat at Farmstands and Small Retailers (2018)
- Tips for Produce Growers Marketing Fresh Produce to Retail Grocers: Understanding PLU and UPC Codes (2014)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T23:54:30-04:00
Tips for Produce Growers Marketing Fresh Produce to Retail Grocers: Understanding PLU and UPC Codes (2014)
- The “Local” Competitive Advantages for Small-Scale Dairies in North Carolina: Profitability Analysis of a Value-Added Product (2015)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:01:46-04:00
The “Local” Competitive Advantages for Small-Scale Dairies in North Carolina: Profitability Analysis of a Value-Added Product (2015)
- Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Pork (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:36:32-04:00
Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Pork (2016)
- Local + Sustainable Seafood: The Competitive Advantage (2014)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:05:13-04:00
Local + Sustainable Seafood: The Competitive Advantage (2014)
- Best Practices for Temperature and Humidity Management for Fresh Produce (2015)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T23:35:13-04:00
Best Practices for Temperature and Humidity Management for Fresh Produce (2015)
- Food & Farm Financing Summit: SBC Annual Conference, March 2017Waystone Design2018-09-24T10:43:10-04:00
Food & Farm Financing Summit: SBC Annual Conference, March 2017
- North Carolina Farmstead Creamery Survey Report (2015)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T20:53:19-04:00
North Carolina Farmstead Creamery Survey Report (2015)
- Process Walkthrough at a Regional Produce Distribution Center (2014)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T17:03:19-04:00
Process Walkthrough at a Regional Produce Distribution Center (2014)
- Seal the Seasons: The Business Case for Expansion into Food Service Markets (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:06:12-04:00
Seal the Seasons: The Business Case for Expansion into Food Service Markets (2016)
- NC 10 Percent & NCGT: Grower-Buyer Connections Event Planning Guide (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:18:33-04:00
NC 10 Percent & NCGT: Grower-Buyer Connections Event Planning Guide (2016)
- An Analysis of North Carolina’s Seafood Industry: National and State Perspectives (2013)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:11:16-04:00
An Analysis of North Carolina’s Seafood Industry: National and State Perspectives (2013)
- Introduction to Food Safety Curriculum Unit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:26:22-04:00
Introduction to Food Safety Curriculum Unit (2017)
- Estimated Rows and Acres of Production Per Case and Pallet at Wholesale, Select CropsWaystone Design2018-09-24T10:33:29-04:00
Estimated Rows and Acres of Production Per Case and Pallet at Wholesale, Select Crops
- For Artisan Cheesemakers: What to Ask and What to Expect When Working with Distributors and Retailers (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:17:44-04:00
For Artisan Cheesemakers: What to Ask and What to Expect When Working with Distributors and Retailers (2016)
- Postharvest Handling PowerPoint Presentation (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-24T14:56:56-04:00
Postharvest Handling PowerPoint Presentation (2016)
- A Crossdock Consolidation Center for Local Produce (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:08:25-04:00
A Crossdock Consolidation Center for Local Produce (2016)
- Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2015 NC Growing Together Summer InternshipWaystone Design2018-09-25T22:27:58-04:00
Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2015 NC Growing Together Summer Internship
- Stand-alone Fresh Produce Cross-docking Facility (2018)Waystone Design2018-09-27T11:58:22-04:00
Stand-alone Fresh Produce Cross-docking Facility (2018)
- Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2018 NC Growing Together Summer InternshipWaystone Design2018-09-25T22:47:18-04:00
Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2018 NC Growing Together Summer Internship
- Introduction to Wholesale Marketing Curriculum Unit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:24:15-04:00
Introduction to Wholesale Marketing Curriculum Unit (2017)
- Collaborative Farming in NC (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:20:50-04:00
Collaborative Farming in NC (2017)
- Market Channel Evaluation: Produce (2014)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:07:08-04:00
Market Channel Evaluation: Produce (2014)
- ELGL (Emerging Local Government Leaders) Food Economies WebinarLaura Lauffer2016-11-26T09:34:07-04:00
ELGL (Emerging Local Government Leaders) Food Economies Webinar
- Presentation to the Triangle J Council of Government Board of Delegates MeetingLaura Lauffer2016-12-05T11:30:28-04:00
Presentation to the Triangle J Council of Government Board of Delegates Meeting
Research
NC Growing Together produced research on many topics relevant to local food supply chain stakeholders. Visit our full library of NC Growing Together research here.
- Process Walkthrough at a Regional Produce Distribution Center (2014)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T17:03:19-04:00
Process Walkthrough at a Regional Produce Distribution Center (2014)
- Webinar: Local Food & Strategies for Councils of GovernmentWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:55:23-04:00
Webinar: Local Food & Strategies for Councils of Government
- Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2016 NC Growing Together Summer InternshipWaystone Design2018-09-25T22:35:49-04:00
Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2016 NC Growing Together Summer Internship
- Food & Farm Financing Summit: SBC Annual Conference, March 2017Waystone Design2018-09-24T10:43:10-04:00
Food & Farm Financing Summit: SBC Annual Conference, March 2017
- Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2017 NC Growing Together Summer InternshipWaystone Design2018-09-25T22:35:07-04:00
Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2017 NC Growing Together Summer Internship
- Local Food Supply Chain Apprenticeship: A Program Guide (2018)Waystone Design2018-09-27T11:56:48-04:00
Local Food Supply Chain Apprenticeship: A Program Guide (2018)
- Postharvest Handling PowerPoint Presentation (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-24T14:56:56-04:00
Postharvest Handling PowerPoint Presentation (2016)
- Guide to Hosting Mini Food Shows (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-24T10:59:51-04:00
Guide to Hosting Mini Food Shows (2017)
- Fresh Produce Good Agricultural Practices Workshop ManualWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:41:29-04:00
Fresh Produce Good Agricultural Practices Workshop Manual
- How to Sell Produce to Distributors (2018)Waystone Design2019-03-28T12:07:40-04:00
How to Sell Produce to Distributors (2018)
- Bringing on New Fruit and Vegetable Farmers: A Visual Guide and Checklist for Direct-Store-DeliveryWaystone Design2018-09-24T10:03:49-04:00
Bringing on New Fruit and Vegetable Farmers: A Visual Guide and Checklist for Direct-Store-Delivery
- Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2018 NC Growing Together Summer InternshipWaystone Design2018-09-25T22:47:18-04:00
Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2018 NC Growing Together Summer Internship
- Hosting Local Food Events with Grocery Stores & Retailers (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-24T11:09:47-04:00
Hosting Local Food Events with Grocery Stores & Retailers (2017)
- Successful Postharvest Handling: A Workshop Planning GuideWaystone Design2018-09-24T15:04:27-04:00
Successful Postharvest Handling: A Workshop Planning Guide
- Authenticity and Success in Marketing “Local” — Review and RecommendationsWaystone Design2018-09-24T20:03:36-04:00
Authenticity and Success in Marketing “Local” — Review and Recommendations
- Guide to Building Farm & Food Business WebsitesWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:43:30-04:00
Guide to Building Farm & Food Business Websites
- Best Practices for Temperature and Humidity Management for Fresh Produce (2015)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T23:35:13-04:00
Best Practices for Temperature and Humidity Management for Fresh Produce (2015)
- Special Claims and the Approval Process for Niche Meat Production (2014)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T23:53:52-04:00
Special Claims and the Approval Process for Niche Meat Production (2014)
- High Tunnel Management: Workshop Materials Feb. 2017Waystone Design2019-03-05T13:05:04-04:00
High Tunnel Management: Workshop Materials Feb. 2017
- On-Farm Infrastructure Toolkit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:21:46-04:00
On-Farm Infrastructure Toolkit (2017)
- Introduction to Food Safety Curriculum Unit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:26:22-04:00
Introduction to Food Safety Curriculum Unit (2017)
- Direct Marketing for Small Farms Curriculum Unit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:27:19-04:00
Direct Marketing for Small Farms Curriculum Unit (2017)
- Guide to Social & Online Media for Producers in Wholesale MarketsWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:45:06-04:00
Guide to Social & Online Media for Producers in Wholesale Markets
- How to Sell Shell Eggs into Grocery Stores through Direct Store Delivery (2015)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T23:46:55-04:00
How to Sell Shell Eggs into Grocery Stores through Direct Store Delivery (2015)
- Process Walkthrough: Direct-Store Delivery (DSD) to Retail Grocery Destinations for Niche Meat Producers (2014)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T17:03:11-04:00
Process Walkthrough: Direct-Store Delivery (DSD) to Retail Grocery Destinations for Niche Meat Producers (2014)
- Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2015 NC Growing Together Summer InternshipWaystone Design2018-09-25T22:27:58-04:00
Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2015 NC Growing Together Summer Internship
- Estimated Rows and Acres of Production Per Case and Pallet at Wholesale, Select CropsWaystone Design2018-09-24T10:33:29-04:00
Estimated Rows and Acres of Production Per Case and Pallet at Wholesale, Select Crops
- Best Practices for Grading and Packing of Fresh Produce (2015)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T23:35:04-04:00
Best Practices for Grading and Packing of Fresh Produce (2015)
- Understanding Packaging and Specifications for Wholesale MarketsShane McCoy2018-09-24T23:54:48-04:00
Understanding Packaging and Specifications for Wholesale Markets
- Cheese Business Resource Guide (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T13:10:19-04:00
Cheese Business Resource Guide (2016)
- Tips for Produce Growers Marketing Fresh Produce to Retail Grocers: Understanding PLU and UPC Codes (2014)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T23:54:30-04:00
Tips for Produce Growers Marketing Fresh Produce to Retail Grocers: Understanding PLU and UPC Codes (2014)
NC Growing Together News
View our full newsfeed of NC Growing Together News.
Engaging Videos Highlight the Local Seafood Supply Chain, Local Foods as Economic Development
NC Growing Together has partnered with the NC 10% Campaign and Vittles Films to produce videos about local foods.
Whole Crop Harvest Brings Together Supply Chain Partners for Grade 2 Produce
Whole Crop Harvest (WCH) is bringing together partners from across the supply chain to reduce on-farm produce loss and increase farmer profitability.
NCGT Building Connections with Small Business Centers to Support Growth of Local Food Economy in North Carolina
NC Growing Together is catalyzing ties between food and farm businesses, educators, Cooperative Extension staff, and Small Business Centers (SBC) across the state to build business support and education for a thriving local food economy.
NC Farm to Early Care and Education Brings Together Children, Food, and Community
In collaboration with early educators, CEFS' Farm to Early Care and Education (NC Farm to ECE) Initiative created a series of eye-catching posters for young children that portray farmers and the vegetables they grow for their community - specifically highlighting women farmers and farmers of color.
This project is supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative competitive grant no. 2013-68004-20363 of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
