Visit NC Farms is a statewide phone app created by the NC Department of
Agriculture that focuses on promoting agritourism and local food businesses. This handy tool helps tourists and residents that are interested in supporting local farmers and finding unique farm-based experiences locate U-Picks, farmers markets, farm stands, and attend farm-based activities. Visit NC Farms promotes participating farms to the public by offering directions to farms, operating hours, and other important details.
Buncombe County farms now have the option to join this helpful marketing tool thanks to the support of Buncombe County Soil and Water, Buncombe NC Farm Bureau Insurance, and the Buncombe Non-profit Farm Bureau Board. Joining the App is completely free, and your farm listing provides another layer of marketing for your business.
Farms submit information about their farming operation, which is then transferred to the App using location-based technology to notify residents and visitors about events and where they can find farms. If you are interested in joining the App, please
take a moment to fill out the questionnaire. If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about Visit NC Farms, feel free to call or email the Buncombe County Agritourism Intern, Avni Naik, or 828-424-1969. More information can also be found on the Visit NC Farms website.
The official launch for Buncombe farms is slated for September, so don't delay in taking advantage of free marketing for your farm!
Climate Change in the Mountains Series
Signs of a changing climate are apparent across all regions, and careful observers of farms and gardens in Western North Carolina are well aware of shifting trends. Buncombe County Cooperative Extension is taking a deeper dive into unraveling the complexities of climate change in a 3 part series "Understanding Climate Change in the NC Mountains" on July 7, 14, 21 at 6 pm. Dr Walt Robin, Professor with the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences at NC State University and Rebecca Ward and Kathy Dello at the State Climate Office of North Carolina will lead this online series.
SESSION 1: Climate and Weather Made
Simple
Wednesday July 7, 6 to 7 p.m. Online via Zoom
Dr Robinson will walk us through earth’s climate history and what that history can tell us about today’s climate change. Dr. Robinson will also go over the differences between climate and weather and the effects of each on a warming planet. I am going to hand it over to you now Walt.
Presenter: Dr Walt Robinson is Professor with the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences at NC State University.
This talk is free but registration is required on Eventbrite.
Session 2: Climate Change and the NC Mountains
Wednesday, July 14, 6 to 7 p.m. Online via Zoom
Join Rebecca Ward as she discusses how climate change works in our mountains and
how it will impact our lives moving forward.
Presenter: Rebecca Ward, Assistant State Climatologist with the State Climate Office of North Carolina
This talk is free but registration is required on Eventbrite.
Session 3: Local Climate Change. How Can Citizens Make an Impact?
Wednesday, July 21, 6 to 7 p.m. Online via Zoom
Join Dr. Kathie Dello as she guides us through a discussion of actions that citizens can take to help mitigate and adapt to climate change in our community.
Presenter: Kathie Dello, Ph.D., Director of the State Climate Office of North Carolina
This talk is free but registration is required on Eventbrite.
Soil Health Management for High Tunnels Tuesday, July 20, 6- 7p.m. Online via Zoom
High tunnels are critically useful tools in season extension, and managing semi-controlled growing spaces. They can also create perplexing scenarios for managing soil health and nutrient availability. If you've struggled with balancing soil health in your tunnels, take this opportunity to learn how to troubleshoot common issues and maintain
high tunnel productivity.
Dr. Janel Ohletz, NCSU Extension Agent, will discuss tricks and tips to managing soil health in a high tunnel. Topics of discussion:
- Benefits of using a high tunnel and where soil health fits in - Why is managing soil health in a high tunnel so different.
- Major issues
- Soil health practices for high tunnels
- Benefits of incorporating cover crops
This talk is free but registration is required on Eventbrite.
Cost-Share Program Application Period Open!
Now is the time to consider applying for cost-sharing programs through the Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation Service. The application period will be held July 1-31, 2021. The Agricultural Cost-Share Program provides a 75% cost share on over 60 best management practices including those intended to reduce sediment and nutrient loss; animal waste management; agrichemical pollution
prevention; stream protection; and erosion/nutrient reduction.
The Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program provides a 75% on best management practices on farms that increase the availability of water such as ponds; pond repairs; water collection systems; increasing the efficiency of irrigation; and water supply wells. The Community Conservation Assistance Program provides a 75% cost-share on best management practices that improve water quality in an urban setting. Practices include seeding eroding areas; streambank
stabilization; backyard wetlands and rain gardens; pet-waste receptacles; cisterns, and grassed swales. For more information on how to apply please email Anthony Dowdle or call 828-250-4788.
