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.
- NCGT Shrimp Processing Feasibility Study (2015)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:05:37-05:00
NCGT Shrimp Processing Feasibility Study (2015)
- Farm and Food Business Resource Guide (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:29:19-05:00
Farm and Food Business Resource Guide (2017)
- NC Statewide Niche Meat Survey Results by County (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T20:40:33-05:00
NC Statewide Niche Meat Survey Results by County (2016)
- Wholesale and Retail Product Specifications: Guidance and Best Practices for Fresh Produce for Small Farms and Food HubsWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:56:26-05:00
Wholesale and Retail Product Specifications: Guidance and Best Practices for Fresh Produce for Small Farms and Food Hubs
- Understanding Packaging and Specifications for Wholesale MarketsShane McCoy2018-09-24T23:54:48-05:00
Understanding Packaging and Specifications for Wholesale Markets
- Bringing on New Fruit and Vegetable Farmers: A Visual Guide and Checklist for Direct-Store-DeliveryWaystone Design2018-09-24T10:03:49-05:00
Bringing on New Fruit and Vegetable Farmers: A Visual Guide and Checklist for Direct-Store-Delivery
- Hosting Local Food Events with Grocery Stores & Retailers (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-24T11:09:47-05:00
Hosting Local Food Events with Grocery Stores & Retailers (2017)
- Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2018 NC Growing Together Summer InternshipWaystone Design2018-09-25T22:47:18-05:00
Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2018 NC Growing Together Summer Internship
- ELGL (Emerging Local Government Leaders) Food Economies WebinarLaura Lauffer2016-11-26T09:34:07-05:00
ELGL (Emerging Local Government Leaders) Food Economies Webinar
- Economic Development for Extension Agents at Annual Extension ConferenceLaura Lauffer2016-12-07T08:33:03-05:00
Economic Development for Extension Agents at Annual Extension Conference
- Establishing Partnerships with Food Retailers to Conduct Local and Healthy Food Choice Research (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:09:19-05:00
Establishing Partnerships with Food Retailers to Conduct Local and Healthy Food Choice Research (2016)
- Presentation: Visioning for Healthy Eating (Dan River Health Summit)Laura Lauffer2016-11-26T09:34:07-05:00
Presentation: Visioning for Healthy Eating (Dan River Health Summit)
- Presentation to N.C. Association of Regional Councils of GovernmentLaura Lauffer2016-12-05T11:19:17-05:00
Presentation to N.C. Association of Regional Councils of Government
- Quick Guide to Common Label Claims (2017)JJ Richardson2018-09-23T15:18:51-05:00
Quick Guide to Common Label Claims (2017)
- An Analysis of North Carolina’s Seafood Industry: National and State Perspectives (2013)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:11:16-05:00
An Analysis of North Carolina’s Seafood Industry: National and State Perspectives (2013)
- How to Sell Pastured Meat Products to Grocery Stores via Direct Store Delivery (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:46:39-05:00
How to Sell Pastured Meat Products to Grocery Stores via Direct Store Delivery (2016)
- ECO Farmer Age and IT Software Research (2014)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:04:23-05:00
ECO Farmer Age and IT Software Research (2014)
- Feasibility and Design of a Direct-to-Consumer Produce Box Program (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:06:46-05:00
Feasibility and Design of a Direct-to-Consumer Produce Box Program (2016)
- Postharvest Handling for Enhanced Shelf LifeShane McCoy2017-03-23T08:07:28-05:00
Postharvest Handling for Enhanced Shelf Life
- Process Walkthrough at a Regional Produce Distribution Center (2014)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T17:03:19-05:00
Process Walkthrough at a Regional Produce Distribution Center (2014)
- Guide to Facebook for Farm & Food BusinessesWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:44:04-05:00
Guide to Facebook for Farm & Food Businesses
- Market Channel Evaluation: Produce (2014)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:07:08-05:00
Market Channel Evaluation: Produce (2014)
- Process Walkthrough at a Regional Meat Distribution Center (2014)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T17:03:32-05:00
Process Walkthrough at a Regional Meat Distribution Center (2014)
- Presentation to the Triangle J Council of Government Board of Delegates MeetingLaura Lauffer2016-12-05T11:30:28-05:00
Presentation to the Triangle J Council of Government Board of Delegates Meeting
- Maturity Models as a Diagnostic and Resource Mapping Tool for Food Hubs (2014)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:04:49-05:00
Maturity Models as a Diagnostic and Resource Mapping Tool for Food Hubs (2014)
- Direct Marketing for Small Farms Curriculum Unit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:27:19-05:00
Direct Marketing for Small Farms Curriculum Unit (2017)
- Cheese Business Resource Guide (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T13:10:19-05:00
Cheese Business Resource Guide (2016)
- The Good Food Schema: Effects of Compelling Messaging for Locally Sourced Meat Products in Grocery Store Settings (2014)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:02:13-05:00
The Good Food Schema: Effects of Compelling Messaging for Locally Sourced Meat Products in Grocery Store Settings (2014)
- 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 Design2018-09-27T12:08:52-05:00
The Local Loyalty Project: Can Positioning a Regional Grocery Chain as a Purveyor of Local Foods Increase Customer Loyalty and Local Foods Sales? (2014)
- Guide to Pinterest for Farm & Food BusinessesWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:44:41-05:00
Guide to Pinterest for Farm & Food Businesses
- Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Pork (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:36:32-05:00
Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Pork (2016)
- Comparing Entrepreneurial Solutions to Local Food Distribution (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:00:24-05:00
Comparing Entrepreneurial Solutions to Local Food Distribution (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.
- Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2015 NC Growing Together Summer InternshipWaystone Design2018-09-25T22:27:58-05:00
Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2015 NC Growing Together Summer Internship
- Introduction to Wholesale Marketing Curriculum Unit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:24:15-05:00
Introduction to Wholesale Marketing Curriculum Unit (2017)
- Process Walkthrough at a Regional Produce Distribution Center (2014)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T17:03:19-05:00
Process Walkthrough at a Regional Produce Distribution Center (2014)
- Retailer Talking Points: How to Answer Consumer Questions on Local Meats (2014)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T23:52:19-05:00
Retailer Talking Points: How to Answer Consumer Questions on Local Meats (2014)
- Food & Farm Financing Summit: SBC Annual Conference, March 2017Waystone Design2018-09-24T10:43:10-05:00
Food & Farm Financing Summit: SBC Annual Conference, March 2017
- Cheese Business Resource Guide (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-27T13:10:19-05:00
Cheese Business Resource Guide (2016)
- Guide to Building Farm & Food Business WebsitesWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:43:30-05:00
Guide to Building Farm & Food Business Websites
- Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Chicken (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:36:18-05:00
Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Chicken (2016)
- Breaking Down the Cost of Grassfed Beef (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:36:05-05:00
Breaking Down the Cost of Grassfed Beef (2016)
- Webinar: Local Food & Strategies for Councils of GovernmentWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:55:23-05:00
Webinar: Local Food & Strategies for Councils of Government
- Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2018 NC Growing Together Summer InternshipWaystone Design2018-09-25T22:47:18-05:00
Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2018 NC Growing Together Summer Internship
- Wholesale and Retail Product Specifications: Guidance and Best Practices for Fresh Produce for Small Farms and Food HubsWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:56:26-05:00
Wholesale and Retail Product Specifications: Guidance and Best Practices for Fresh Produce for Small Farms and Food Hubs
- Best Practices for Temperature and Humidity Management for Fresh Produce (2015)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T23:35:13-05:00
Best Practices for Temperature and Humidity Management for Fresh Produce (2015)
- Understanding Packaging and Specifications for Wholesale MarketsShane McCoy2018-09-24T23:54:48-05:00
Understanding Packaging and Specifications for Wholesale Markets
- Fresh Produce Good Agricultural Practices Workshop ManualWaystone Design2018-09-24T23:41:29-05:00
Fresh Produce Good Agricultural Practices Workshop Manual
- Introduction to Food Safety Curriculum Unit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:26:22-05:00
Introduction to Food Safety Curriculum Unit (2017)
- Hosting Local Food Events with Grocery Stores & Retailers (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-24T11:09:47-05:00
Hosting Local Food Events with Grocery Stores & Retailers (2017)
- Distributors of NC Wild-Caught Seafood (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-24T10:31:43-05:00
Distributors of NC Wild-Caught Seafood (2016)
- Estimated Rows and Acres of Production Per Case and Pallet at Wholesale, Select CropsWaystone Design2018-09-24T10:33:29-05:00
Estimated Rows and Acres of Production Per Case and Pallet at Wholesale, Select Crops
- Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Pork (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:36:32-05:00
Breaking Down the Cost of Pastured Pork (2016)
- How it Works Handbook: A Guide to University Food Systems and Local Food Programs (2018)Marcello Cappellazzi2019-02-27T10:57:57-05:00
How it Works Handbook: A Guide to University Food Systems and Local Food Programs (2018)
- Direct Marketing for Small Farms Curriculum Unit (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:27:19-05:00
Direct Marketing for Small Farms Curriculum Unit (2017)
- Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2016 NC Growing Together Summer InternshipWaystone Design2018-09-25T22:35:49-05:00
Students in the Local Food Value Chain: Experiences from the 2016 NC Growing Together Summer Internship
- Adding Value to Local Food (2016)Waystone Design2018-09-24T23:29:28-05:00
Adding Value to Local Food (2016)
- How to Sell Pastured Meat Products to Grocery Stores via Direct Store Delivery (2016)JJ Richardson2018-09-24T23:46:39-05:00
How to Sell Pastured Meat Products to Grocery Stores via Direct Store Delivery (2016)
- Guide to Hosting Mini Food Shows (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-24T10:59:51-05:00
Guide to Hosting Mini Food Shows (2017)
- Special Claims and the Approval Process for Niche Meat Production (2014)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T23:53:52-05:00
Special Claims and the Approval Process for Niche Meat Production (2014)
- NC Processors That Slaughter, Process, & Vacuum Package For Farmers (2016)JJ Richardson2018-10-15T16:57:40-05:00
NC Processors That Slaughter, Process, & Vacuum Package For Farmers (2016)
- On-Farm Cold Storage Virtual Training (2017)Waystone Design2018-09-27T12:22:52-05:00
On-Farm Cold Storage Virtual Training (2017)
- How to Sell Shell Eggs into Grocery Stores through Direct Store Delivery (2015)Shane McCoy2018-09-24T23:46:55-05:00
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 McCoy2018-09-24T17:03:11-05:00
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.
