The week’s events began with an entertaining and educational Introduction to Beekeeping presentation by Holly Votaw, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, at the Transylvania County Library. Votaw discussed the pleasures and problems of keeping bees.
Throughout the week Sarah Holden, 4-H Agent, and multiple 4-H volunteers provided a farm-to-table lesson to over 350 first graders in the county. The children enjoyed making butter, which they learned does not originate in a grocery store, but on a dairy farm.
Kate Renner, Director of Farm Operations at Gaia Herbs, spoke on Thursday, discussing the importance of regenerative and sustainable farming. Gaia Herbs is the only Regenerative Organic Certified farm in Transylvania County; striving to promote soil health, produce high-quality products, and protect ecosystems.
The week concluded with an Ag Appreciation Breakfast celebrating the dedication of the farmers and producers in Transylvania County. Much of the food served was donated by local farmers. Ella’s Champion Pork provided the sausage. The Farm at Gwynn Valley provided the grits, Tony Hill Orchards supplied apples, and Clem’s Organic Gardens donated potatoes.
Jimmy Cowan, District Field Representative for the NC Farm Bureau Federation, discussed the importance of agriculture and the risk of loss of agricultural land, “People enjoy eating local foods, but you cannot eat locally without local farms.”
Kelly Springs, County Executive Director for Farm Service Agency, provided the audience with information regarding potential assistance following the destruction of Tropical Storm Helene.
Addison Bradley, County Extension Director, also reported that Transylvania County Extension has coordinated, received, and distributed over $130,000 worth of materials to producers in the county impacted by the storm.
Transylvania County has a diverse farming community, ranging from traditional crops, such as soybeans and corn, to less traditional, such as herbs and trout. Transylvania County ranks third in North Carolina for aquaculture production. Transylvania County is home to 142 farms, a 34% decrease since 2017 according to USDA Census of Agriculture.
