MBA Student Supply Chain and Marketing Research Teams
Innovations in Economic Development Through Local Foods Regional Gatherings
Local Foods as Economic Development
Good Agricultural Practices Workshops
Local Food Supply Chain Apprentices
Postharvest Handling Workshops
Supporting Market Growth for Grade 2 Produce
Agricultural Entrepreneurship Training
Connecting Small and Mid-sized Farmers with Institutional Markets
Season Extension Workshops
Supply Chain Resource Cooperative Student Projects
NC Growing Together and NC Choices Meat Quality Project
Developing Resources for Producers and Supply Chain Intermediaries
Grower-Buyer Networking Events
Produce Grower Tours and Networking at FreshPoint

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.

Webinar: Local Food & Strategies for Councils of GovernmentWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:55:23-04:00

Webinar: Local Food & Strategies for Councils of Government
Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together
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)
Dairy, Egg and Cheese Producers, For Producers, NC Growing Together
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)
MBA Supply Chain and Marketing Research Teams, NC Growing Together
Postharvest Handling PowerPoint Presentation (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-24T14:56:56-04:00

Postharvest Handling PowerPoint Presentation (2016)
For Producers, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together
Best practices and metrics for dairy farms transitioning conventional dairy operations to on-farm value-added production (2015)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:00:51-04:00

Best practices and metrics for dairy farms transitioning conventional dairy operations to on-farm value-added production (2015)
MBA Supply Chain and Marketing Research Teams, NC Growing Together
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)
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, NC Growing Together
Hubs & Kitchens: Food Hubs, Commercial Community Kitchens, and Copackers in NC (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T11:55:55-04:00

Hubs & Kitchens: Food Hubs, Commercial Community Kitchens, and Copackers in NC (2017)
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, For Producers, Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
ELGL (Emerging Local Government Leaders) Food Economies WebinarLaura Lauffer2016-11-26T09:34:07-04:00

ELGL (Emerging Local Government Leaders) Food Economies Webinar
and Elected Officials, Local Food Economies, NC Growing Together, Webinars for LFE
North Carolina Niche Meat Producers Survey (2013)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T21:15:37-04:00

North Carolina Niche Meat Producers Survey (2013)
NC Choices, NC Choices - Meat Producer Surveys, NC Growing Together, Special Reports
Keynote Presentation to SBC-SBTDC Annual ConferenceLaura Lauffer2016-12-05T11:24:20-04:00

Keynote Presentation to SBC-SBTDC Annual Conference
and Elected Officials, Developers, Local Food Economies, NC Growing Together, Webinars for LFE
Feasibility and Design of a Direct-to-Consumer Produce Box Program (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:06:46-04:00

Feasibility and Design of a Direct-to-Consumer Produce Box Program (2016)
MBA Supply Chain and Marketing Research Teams, NC Growing Together
On-Farm Infrastructure Toolkit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:21:46-04:00

On-Farm Infrastructure Toolkit (2017)
For Producers, NC Growing Together
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
For Producers, Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
Farm and Food Business Resource Guide (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:29:19-04:00

Farm and Food Business Resource Guide (2017)
Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together, NC Small Business Center Network
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)
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, NC Growing Together
Scaling up at a Local Grain Mill (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T11:58:49-04:00

Scaling up at a Local Grain Mill (2017)
MBA Supply Chain and Marketing Research Teams, NC Growing Together
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
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, NC Growing Together
Postharvest Handling for Enhanced Shelf LifeShane McCoy2017-03-23T08:07:28-04:00

Postharvest Handling for Enhanced Shelf Life
NC Growing Together
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)
NC 10% Campaign, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together
Basic Legal Structures for Local Foods Value Chain BusinessesWaystone Design2018-09-23T15:09:11-04:00

Basic Legal Structures for Local Foods Value Chain Businesses
NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
Adding Value to Local Food (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-24T23:29:28-04:00

Adding Value to Local Food (2016)
For Producers, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together
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
NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries, UNC-Chapel Hill Grocery Consumer Demand Project
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)
Featured, For Producers, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together
Guide to Facebook for Farm & Food BusinessesWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:44:04-04:00

Guide to Facebook for Farm & Food Businesses
For Producers, Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
Agent Opportunities to Build Partnerships with Local Supermarkets through Local Food ProgramsWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:29:58-04:00

Agent Opportunities to Build Partnerships with Local Supermarkets through Local Food Programs
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, NC Growing Together
GroupGAP Fact SheetWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:41:50-04:00

GroupGAP Fact Sheet
For Producers, NC Growing Together
Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Pork (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:36:32-04:00

Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Pork (2016)
For Producers, NC Choices, NC Choices - Meat Marketing, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
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)
Featured, For Producers, NC Choices, NC Choices - Meat Marketing, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together
Presentation to N.C. Association of Regional Councils of GovernmentLaura Lauffer2016-12-05T11:19:17-04:00

Presentation to N.C. Association of Regional Councils of Government
and Elected Officials, Developers, Local Food Economies, NC Growing Together, Webinars for LFE
How to Sell Pastured Meat Products to Grocery Stores via Direct Store Delivery (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:46:39-04:00

How to Sell Pastured Meat Products to Grocery Stores via Direct Store Delivery (2016)
For Producers, NC Choices, NC Choices - Meat Marketing, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together
Successful Postharvest Handling: A Workshop Planning GuideWaystone Design2018-09-24T15:04:27-04:00

Successful Postharvest Handling: A Workshop Planning Guide
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, NC Growing Together
NCGT Shrimp Processing Feasibility Study (2015)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:05:37-04:00

NCGT Shrimp Processing Feasibility Study (2015)
MBA Supply Chain and Marketing Research Teams, NC Growing Together

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.

Small Business Resource GuideLaura Lauffer2018-09-24T23:53:38-04:00

Small Business Resource Guide
For Producers, Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
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)
Featured, For Producers, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together
Breaking Down the Cost of Grassfed Beef (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:36:05-04:00

Breaking Down the Cost of Grassfed Beef (2016)
For Producers, NC Choices, NC Choices - Meat Marketing, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
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
For Producers, Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
Agent Opportunities to Build Partnerships with Local Supermarkets through Local Food ProgramsWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:29:58-04:00

Agent Opportunities to Build Partnerships with Local Supermarkets through Local Food Programs
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, NC Growing Together
Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Pork (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:36:32-04:00

Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Pork (2016)
For Producers, NC Choices, NC Choices - Meat Marketing, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
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
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, NC Growing Together
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
NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
Introduction to Food Safety Curriculum Unit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:26:22-04:00

Introduction to Food Safety Curriculum Unit (2017)
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together
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)
NC Choices, NC Choices - Meat Marketing, NC Choices - Meat Production, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
Guide to Building Farm & Food Business WebsitesWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:43:30-04:00

Guide to Building Farm & Food Business Websites
For Producers, Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
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)
For Producers, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries, Supply Chain Scholars
Direct Marketing for Small Farms Curriculum Unit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:27:19-04:00

Direct Marketing for Small Farms Curriculum Unit (2017)
Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together, NC Small Business Center Network
Postharvest Handling PowerPoint Presentation (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-24T14:56:56-04:00

Postharvest Handling PowerPoint Presentation (2016)
For Producers, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together
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
Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together, NC Small Business Center Network
Adding Value to Local Food (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-24T23:29:28-04:00

Adding Value to Local Food (2016)
For Producers, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together
Selling Fluid Milk to Grocery Stores through Direct Store Delivery (2016)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T23:53:15-04:00

Selling Fluid Milk to Grocery Stores through Direct Store Delivery (2016)
For Producers, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together
Fresh Produce Good Agricultural Practices Workshop ManualWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:41:29-04:00

Fresh Produce Good Agricultural Practices Workshop Manual
For Producers, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together
How to Sell Pastured Meat Products to Grocery Stores via Direct Store Delivery (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:46:39-04:00

How to Sell Pastured Meat Products to Grocery Stores via Direct Store Delivery (2016)
For Producers, NC Choices, NC Choices - Meat Marketing, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together
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)
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, NC Growing Together
Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Chicken (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:36:18-04:00

Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Chicken (2016)
For Producers, NC Choices, NC Choices - Meat Marketing, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
SBC-SBTDC REAL Agriculture & Cooperative Extension Curriculum Guide (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:21:19-04:00

SBC-SBTDC REAL Agriculture & Cooperative Extension Curriculum Guide (2017)
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together
Guide to Facebook for Farm & Food BusinessesWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:44:04-04:00

Guide to Facebook for Farm & Food Businesses
For Producers, Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
On-Farm Cold Storage Virtual Training (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:22:52-04:00

On-Farm Cold Storage Virtual Training (2017)
For Producers, NC Growing Together
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)
Featured, For Producers, NC Choices, NC Choices - Meat Marketing, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together
Distributors of NC Wild-Caught Seafood (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-24T10:31:43-04:00

Distributors of NC Wild-Caught Seafood (2016)
NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
Hubs & Kitchens: Food Hubs, Commercial Community Kitchens, and Copackers in NC (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T11:55:55-04:00

Hubs & Kitchens: Food Hubs, Commercial Community Kitchens, and Copackers in NC (2017)
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, For Producers, Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together, Supply Chain Intermediaries
GroupGAP Fact SheetWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:41:50-04:00

GroupGAP Fact Sheet
For Producers, NC Growing Together
Collaborative Farming in NC (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:20:50-04:00

Collaborative Farming in NC (2017)
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Growing Together, Special Reports
Introduction to Wholesale Marketing Curriculum Unit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:24:15-04:00

Introduction to Wholesale Marketing Curriculum Unit (2017)
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, Local/Regional Food Business Development, NC Growing Together
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)
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, NC Growing Together
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
Educators, Community, and Non-Profit Groups, NC Growing Together

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

Waystone Design2018-09-14T21:31:04-04:00July 25th, 2018|

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

Waystone Design2018-09-14T21:26:58-04:00July 25th, 2018|

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

Waystone Design2018-09-14T21:15:16-04:00July 25th, 2018|

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

Waystone Design2018-09-14T21:08:31-04:00July 25th, 2018|

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.

MBA Student Supply Chain and Marketing Research Teams

Innovations in Economic Development Through Local Foods Regional Gatherings

Local Foods as Economic Development

Good Agricultural Practices Workshops

Local Food Supply Chain Apprentices

Postharvest Handling Workshops

Supporting Market Growth for Grade 2 Produce

Agricultural Entrepreneurship Training

Connecting Small and Mid-sized Farmers with Institutional Markets

Season Extension Workshops

Supply Chain Resource Cooperative Student Projects

NC Growing Together and NC Choices Meat Quality Project

Developing Resources for Producers and Supply Chain Intermediaries

Grower-Buyer Networking Events

Produce Grower Tours and Networking at FreshPoint

NC Growing Together

Partners

Resources

Research

NC Growing Together News