EMFS findings – Center for Environmental Farming Systems https://cefs.ncsu.edu Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:30:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/cropped-CEFS-Site-Icon-01-32x32.jpg EMFS findings – Center for Environmental Farming Systems https://cefs.ncsu.edu 32 32 WNC Food Supply Chain Map https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/wnc-food-supply-chain-map/ Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:21:01 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=31923

WNC Food Supply Chain Map

This is a food system assessment tool developed by EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS). EMFS is an initiative of North Carolina State Cooperative Extension and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems based in western North Carolina.

 

In 2024, EMFS launched a new program phase in 12 regional counties and the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. A key focus of this phase includes a regional supply chain assessment to provide the structure to enhance the regional food supply chain.

 

As part of this assessment, the WNC Food Supply Chain Map can be used to navigate existing supply chain infrastructure across the 12-county region supported by EMFS. This includes the following North Carolina counties; Buncombe, Burke, Cleveland, Haywood, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain, Watauga, Yancey, and the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

 

This project is generously hosted in partnership with Western North Carolina Food System Coalition. Visit the WNC Food System Coalition’s website, and the WNC Food Resources Map, to learn more about food system work across the Western North Carolina region. 

 

Access the WNC Food Supply Chain Map
]]> Local Food Supply Chain Assessment https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/local-food-supply-chain-assessment/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:58:47 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=31671

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.

Thank you to the Appalachian Regional Commission, The Dogwood Health Trust and WNC Bridge Foundation for funding the Supply Chain Assessment.

Watch a webinar about the report. Passcode: d6qT%vtg

 

Click here to download

 

Click here to access the full document

 

Access the WNC Food Supply Chain Map
]]> Strategies to Strengthen Agritourism in North Carolina’s Western Region https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/arc-agritourism-report/ Tue, 17 Jan 2023 19:24:22 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=26532

Strategies to Strengthen Agritourism in North Carolina’s Western Region (2022)

The Western region of North Carolina (Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) is home to a rich agricultural heritage and beautiful farmland. These resources,
along with the region’s unique foodways and experiences related to agriculture, hold great appeal to visitors. These existing resources provide the region with the opportunity to utilize agritourism to capitalize on the public’s growing interest in local food and tourists’ desire for one-of-a-kind experiences.

Click here to download the full report.

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]]> Summary Snapshots from Food Council Planning Meetings https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/summary-snapshots/ Mon, 13 Jun 2022 14:21:40 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=25141

Summary Snapshots from Food Council Planning Meetings (2022)

Summary snapshots constructed from the Food Council Planning Meetings across the region.

Download:

Cherokee & Clay Counties
Graham County
Haywood County
Jackson & Swain Counties
Macon County
Qualla Boundary

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]]> EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems Food & Farm Assessment https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/empowering-mountain-food-systems-food-farm-assessment/ Fri, 15 Nov 2019 15:37:48 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=17480

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) completed a Food and Farm Assessment in the seven western counties of North Carolina and on the Qualla Boundary to guide the work of the EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems Project in November 2019.

The assessment goals were to:

  • Identify potential supply chain improvements or additions (including but not limited to cold storage, loading docks, dry storage, and food processing).
  • Explore the nexus between agritourism, brewing, and the outdoor recreation industry. Recommend project entry points and collaborations.
  • Develop an understanding of market opportunities for farmers and food producers in the region.
  • Assess continuing education, training, certification and infrastructure needs for farmers and food businesses. Training may include technical production topics and infrastructure as well as business creation, entrepreneurship, and management topics.
  • Explore demand and viability for regional food hub, cooperative processing facility, and/or incubator farm.

The results of the assessment were presented via webinar to regional partners on November 1, 2019. The video link can be found here. The presentation slides can be downloaded here.

DOWNLOAD: WNC Food and Farm Assessment Report

 

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