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.
- Collaborative Farming in NC (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:20:50-04:00
Collaborative Farming in NC (2017)
- Cheese Business Resource Guide (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T13:10:19-04:00
Cheese Business Resource Guide (2016)
- 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
- A Crossdock Consolidation Center for Local Produce (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:08:25-04:00
A Crossdock Consolidation Center for Local Produce (2016)
- 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)
- 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)
- Market Channel Evaluation: Analysis of a Direct-Store-Delivery Pilot for Local Meat (2014)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:07:35-04:00
Market Channel Evaluation: Analysis of a Direct-Store-Delivery Pilot for Local Meat (2014)
- 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)
- NC Growing Together Local Food Supply Chain Apprenticeship (2018)Marcello Cappellazzi2019-02-21T13:01:59-04:00
NC Growing Together Local Food Supply Chain Apprenticeship (2018)
- Process Walkthrough at a Regional Meat Distribution Center (2014)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T17:03:32-04:00
Process Walkthrough at a Regional Meat Distribution Center (2014)
- Project Meatball: The Business Case for a New Product Venture (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T11:59:40-04:00
Project Meatball: The Business Case for a New Product Venture (2016)
- ECO Farmer Age and IT Software Research (2014)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:04:23-04:00
ECO Farmer Age and IT Software Research (2014)
- Guide to Pinterest for Farm & Food BusinessesWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:44:41-04:00
Guide to Pinterest for Farm & Food Businesses
- Holding Successful “Meet the Farmer” Events — Assessment and RecommendationsWaystone Design2018-09-24T20:09:46-04:00
Holding Successful “Meet the Farmer” Events — Assessment and Recommendations
- Transportation Cost Transparency for TRACTOR Food Hub (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T11:59:06-04:00
Transportation Cost Transparency for TRACTOR Food Hub (2017)
- 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
- Stand-alone Fresh Produce Cross-docking Facility (2018)Waystone Design2018-09-27T11:58:22-04:00
Stand-alone Fresh Produce Cross-docking Facility (2018)
- Comparing Entrepreneurial Solutions to Local Food Distribution (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:00:24-04:00
Comparing Entrepreneurial Solutions to Local Food Distribution (2016)
- North Carolina Farmstead Creamery Survey Report (2015)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T20:53:19-04:00
North Carolina Farmstead Creamery Survey Report (2015)
- Market Channel Evaluation: Produce (2014)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:07:08-04:00
Market Channel Evaluation: Produce (2014)
- A Crossdock Consolidation Center for Sourcing Local Foods (2014)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:04:00-04:00
A Crossdock Consolidation Center for Sourcing Local Foods (2014)
- 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
- Presentation: Visioning for Healthy Eating (Dan River Health Summit)Laura Lauffer2016-11-26T09:34:07-04:00
Presentation: Visioning for Healthy Eating (Dan River Health Summit)
- Guide to Facebook for Farm & Food BusinessesWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:44:04-04:00
Guide to Facebook for Farm & Food Businesses
- Quick Guide to Common Label Claims (2017)JJ Richardson2018-09-23T15:18:51-04:00
Quick Guide to Common Label Claims (2017)
- Postharvest Handling for Enhanced Shelf LifeShane McCoy2017-03-23T08:07:28-04:00
Postharvest Handling for Enhanced Shelf Life
- Hosting Food & Farm Business Training Programs at Community Colleges (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:24:58-04:00
Hosting Food & Farm Business Training Programs at Community Colleges (2017)
- Fresh Produce Good Agricultural Practices Workshop ManualWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:41:29-04:00
Fresh Produce Good Agricultural Practices Workshop Manual
- The Good Food Schema: Effects of Compelling Messaging for Locally Sourced Meat Products in Grocery Store Settings (2014)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:02:13-04:00
The Good Food Schema: Effects of Compelling Messaging for Locally Sourced Meat Products in Grocery Store Settings (2014)
- 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)
- Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Chicken (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:36:18-04:00
Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Chicken (2016)
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.
- On-Farm Infrastructure Toolkit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:21:46-04:00
On-Farm Infrastructure Toolkit (2017)
- Introduction to Wholesale Marketing Curriculum Unit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:24:15-04:00
Introduction to Wholesale Marketing Curriculum Unit (2017)
- Financial and Business Resources for Food Entrepreneurs and Farms in North Carolina (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:16:52-04:00
Financial and Business Resources for Food Entrepreneurs and Farms in North Carolina (2016)
- Adding Value to Local Food (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-24T23:29:28-04:00
Adding Value to Local Food (2016)
- 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)
- Guide to Pinterest for Farm & Food BusinessesWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:44:41-04:00
Guide to Pinterest for Farm & Food Businesses
- Guide to Building Farm & Food Business WebsitesWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:43:30-04:00
Guide to Building Farm & Food Business Websites
- 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)
- Direct Marketing for Small Farms Curriculum Unit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:27:19-04:00
Direct Marketing for Small Farms Curriculum Unit (2017)
- Breaking Down the Cost of Grassfed Beef (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:36:05-04:00
Breaking Down the Cost of Grassfed Beef (2016)
- Hosting Food & Farm Business Training Programs at Community Colleges (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:24:58-04:00
Hosting Food & Farm Business Training Programs at Community Colleges (2017)
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- How to Sell Produce to Distributors (2018)Waystone Design2019-03-28T12:07:40-04:00
How to Sell Produce to Distributors (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
- 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)
- Cheese Business Resource Guide (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T13:10:19-04:00
Cheese Business Resource Guide (2016)
- 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)
- Fresh Produce Good Agricultural Practices Workshop ManualWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:41:29-04:00
Fresh Produce Good Agricultural Practices Workshop Manual
- 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
- NC Processors That Slaughter, Process, & Vacuum Package For Farmers (2016)JJ Richardson2018-10-15T16:57:40-04:00
NC Processors That Slaughter, Process, & Vacuum Package For Farmers (2016)
- 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
- High Tunnel Management: Workshop Materials Feb. 2017Waystone Design2019-03-05T13:05:04-04:00
High Tunnel Management: Workshop Materials Feb. 2017
- Process Walkthrough at a Regional Meat Distribution Center (2014)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T17:03:32-04:00
Process Walkthrough at a Regional Meat Distribution Center (2014)
- Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Pork (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:36:32-04:00
Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Pork (2016)
- Collaborative Farming in NC (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:20:50-04:00
Collaborative Farming in NC (2017)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
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.
