NC Local Farms and Food Profiles

To provide a snapshot of the importance of agriculture on the county level, the N.C. Cooperative Extension Local Food Program, NC FarmLink, and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) created a profile for each county and each Council of Government region based on a comparison of 2022 and 2017 USDA Agriculture Census data. The data is organized in panels to make it easy to pull screenshots for presentations and conversations.

This Local Farms and Food Profile helps economic developers, planners, local food advocates, and community members understand the impact of their county and region to the overall NC agricultural economic impact.

View the 2022 North Carolina State Agriculture Profile

WNC Food Supply Chain Map

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) engaged with over 100 food supply chain partners to assess current needs, gaps and opportunities in the EMFS project footprint of 12 western NC counties and the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

This report presents findings from the Western North Carolina (WNC) Local Food Supply Chain Needs Assessment, highlighting the challenges, priorities, opportunities, and strategic recommendations for enhancing the economic sustainability and growth of local food system businesses and organizations. The data was gathered directly from key stakeholders, including farmers, meat and dairy processors, food hubs, commercial kitchens, and farm stands operating within the assessment area.

COMING SOON:Local Food Decision Tree (ES), a practical tool to help early care and education centers evaluate their current food purchasing and identify opportunities to incorporate more local produce.

Click here to download the Local Food Decision Tree, a practical tool to help early care and education centers evaluate their current food purchasing and identify opportunities to incorporate more local produce.

Overview: NC Farm to ECE Local Food Buying Guides (for TA Providers)

Download the Overview: NC Farm to ECE Local Food Buying Guides (for TA Providers), created to support childcare directors, cooks, and staff in incorporating fresh, local ingredients into meals and snacks. This simple, practical guide makes it easier to plan, purchase, and serve local food in early care settings.

NC Guide to Local Food Buying Models for Farm to ECE (for Child Care Programs)

Download our NC Guide to Local Food Buying Models for Farm to ECE (for Child Care Programs), which highlights a variety of practical ways early care programs can source fresh, local food—from partnering with food hubs to using caterers who prioritize local ingredients. This guide offers flexible options to fit different needs and encourages collaboration with families, staff, and community partners.

Click here to download Farm to Early Care and Education Local Food Purchasing Guide, a resource designed to help centers connect with local food vendors and farmers. This guide includes key questions and considerations to support sourcing fresh, locally grown food for early childhood programs.

Click here to download the Menu Analysis Worksheet, a practical tool to help early care and education centers evaluate their current food purchasing and identify opportunities to incorporate more local produce. Use this worksheet alongside the North Carolina Produce Availability Chart to find seasonal, local options that can replace or supplement your existing menu items.

Local Food Buying Models: For Technical Assistance Providers (Preview)

Stay tuned for our NC Guide to Local Food Buying Models for Farm to ECE (for TA Providers), which highlights a variety of practical ways early care programs can source fresh, local food—from partnering with food hubs to using caterers who prioritize local ingredients. This guide offers flexible options to fit different needs and encourages collaboration with families, staff, and community partners.