Down on the Farm: Green Dreams, Green Schemes

North Carolina visitors who harbor dreams of living ‘green’ have a host of great opportunities to indulge their interests while enjoying North Carolina’s stunning rural scenery, from mountains to sea. There is much to see, do, learn and enjoy on our active organic farms, many of which offer learning programs, hands-on work programs, pick-your-own fruit and produce opportunities, recreational facilities, lodging and home-grown, home-cooked meals your family will love!

North Carolina’s history as a tobacco growing state could have spelled disaster to farmers and farming communities as that crop has become untenable in the modern marketplace. Yet instead of giving up, the necessary change has engendered a strong commitment to innovative alternatives. Family farmers have invented new ways to keep their farmland productive while at the same time leading the movement toward sustainable practices, new income-producing crops, and clever private-business-government partnerships that add to NC’s important tourism industry.

In the mountainous west, smaller farms on hilly terrain have embraced the “organic revolution” heartily and their offerings for visitors are abundant. In rugged Madison County north of Asheville, there is Eagle Feather Organic Farm, part of the agri-tourism consortium. The farm is home to the North Carolina Ginseng & Goldenseal Company as well as the Southern Appalachian School for Growing Medicinal Plants.

Eagle Feather Farm has been designated a Native Botanical Sanctuary by United Plant Savers, and the NC Department of Agriculture has named it a North Carolina Nursery. Eagle Feather offers books, a video, classes, apprenticeships and tours that demonstrate natural ways of growing beneficial medicinal herbs in their own natural habitats, specializing in woods and forest crops. Owner Robert Eidus leads the tours, workshops and classes. The full schedule is available on the websites, so planning a weekend or a week at one of Madison County’s wonderful Bed and Breakfasts while spending afternoons on the farm will inspire visitors to consider the opportunities presented by caring for the land as it comes naturally, and being rewarded for it with valuable cash crops!

Closer to the resorts and tourist corridors of Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Boone, Linville, Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway, there is The Mast Farm Inn Bed and Breakfast in Banner Elk. The Inn is situated on a historic mountain farm and offers guest rooms in the farm house, romantic getaway cottages and rustic cabin for guests. Gourmet dining features organic vegetables and herbs grown by a master gardener for chef Ed Winebarger.

No matter where you’re staying there are many Western North Carolina farms who offer pick-your-own outings in season. Everything from apples, grapes, strawberries, cherries and blueberries to tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, broad beans, sweet corn, eggplant, pumpkins and melons. There are cooperative classes open to the public on canning, pickle-making, drying fruit and vegetables, ice cream making, and how to make prize-winning berry pies. Check out the offerings at Western North Carolina Pick-Your-Own Farms.

Farther east in north-central North Carolina (Franklin County) is another agri-tourism partnership project, Vollmer Farms. This is a unique outreach collaboration between the NCSU College of Design (Department of Landscape Architecture) and the NCSU College of Natural Resources with the Vollmer family farm. The farm offers spring pick-your-own strawberry tours, an educational puppet show and the “Back Forty” play area for school groups, company picnics and other events. There’s a Farm Market & Cafe (opens April 1), and offers apprenticeships and farm hand job opportunities to eager would-be organic farmers.

There are share farms and organic growing operations in almost all of North Carolina’s rural counties, and the number is growing every year. North Carolina’s greatest treasures include natural beauty, fertile soil, abundant forests and friendly, hard-working people who serve this natural heritage with their hearts and hands. Visitors from in and out of state will find fresh air, healthy food and a new appreciation for the land by getting to know our outstanding organic farms and farmers up close!

Links:

North Carolina Ginseng & Goldenseal Company

Southern Appalachian School for Growing Medicinal Plants

The Mast Farm Inn

Western North Carolina Pick-Your-Own Farms

Vollmer Farms

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Filed under Green Living, Agriculture, Nature, NC Land, Education, Family Activities, North Carolina |