It's
not too late to make a contribution to ASAP, but you better get a MOOOve
on! 2004: A Year in Review at ASAP
At the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project we
are reflecting on another great year of exciting events and accomplishments.
Year by
year, we are moving
forward on our vision of a food and farm system that provides a
safe and nutritious food supply for all segments of society; that is
produced,
marketed
and distributed in a manner that enhances human and environmental
health, and that adds economic and social value to rural and urban
communities.
We owe our successes over the past year to the support of grants,
foundations,
and contributions from individuals who share our vision. ASAP is
looking ahead to another great year in 2005, and there are many reasons
for you to help make it happen. Your tax-deductible contribution will
help
us move into the new year with a solid foundation.
2004 Highlights
Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference
Our first annual of such conferences, this was an overwhelming success,
with over 200 people in attendance.
Local Food Campaign
This very successful campaign continues to grow and gain momentum, raising
consumer and business awareness and support for local food. We printed
and distributed 60,000 copies of the 2004 Local Food Guide. It is now
featured at all area visitors’ centers, welcome centers, and at
the Asheville Regional Airport. The Guide is also on the web at www.BuyAppalachian.org.
You’ve
probably seen several of our 20,000 “Local Food – Thousands
of Miles Fresher” bumper
stickers around town. ASAP is recognized as a national leader in this
area and as a result, we are being asked to provide consulting services
to other organizations engaged in similar work around the country. The
local food campaign was also featured nationally on the Food Network's
television show "$40 a Day."
 Farm to School Initiative
In collaboration with the Community Food Security Coalition, we hosted a
Farm to School summit that brought together farmers, school system representatives,
and others to strategize about how to open up our schools as a new market
for local farmers while improving the health and quality of the food we
serve to our children. We’ve already had some exciting developments
with our Farm to School Initiative in Madison County as well as the Asheville
City Schools.
Growing Minds Program
In 2004, this program was focused on the Emma Elementary School garden and
has worked with MANNA FoodBank and Children First to promote healthy lifestyles
and eating habits for children. Visit Growing Minds at www.Growing-Minds.org.
New Office Space
We have increased our capacity as an organization by expanding our office
space (we can now accommodate volunteers and have space for community
gatherings). We are in the old Fortune Building, 729 Haywood Rd. If you
find yourself in the neighborhood, drop in and see what’s happening
at ASAP!
What’s on ASAP’s plate for 2005?
 2nd annual Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference
This year’s conference is scheduled for Saturday, February 26, from
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Warren Wilson College. Workshop offerings
will cover a wide range of topics related to marketing, and as a highlight
this year, we’re offering two levels of internet training continuously
throughout the day. For complete information, visit Market
Opportunities.
Local Food Campaign
The campaign will continue in the coming year, with expanded printing of
the Local Food Guide and other promotional materials. We’re excited
to continue building a regional food identity for western North Carolina
and the Southern Appalachian region.
The Mountain Tailgate Market Association (MTMA)
The MTMA will continue to be a major partner of the Local Food Campaign
by expanding to include a greater number of tailgate markets in our region.
Sharing the resources that have been so helpful for local tailgate markets
and the vendors who depend on those markets for their income will help
more farmers become better business people.
Farm to School Initiative
We are excited to continue the successes of our Farm to School Initiative
by offering additional workshops in this area.
Growing Minds Program
The 2005 program will focus on integrating the school garden at Isaac Dickson
Elementary School into the classroom curriculum, and integrating senior
citizen volunteerism into the Hazelwood Elementary School garden project
in Haywood County.
Join us in support of our vision
We hope you are as excited as we are about the opportunities for moving
forward with our vision. Our work is as timely as ever, in particular
due to the recently passed tobacco buy-out, which will impact our agricultural
communities in uncertain ways. Thank you for supporting ASAP as we work
to revitalize urban and rural communities and economies in western North
Carolina and the southern Appalachians. You can send a tax-deductible
contribution to:
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project
729 Haywood
Rd., Suite 3
Asheville, NC 28806
or donate right now online -
ASAP board and staff thank you for your support!
Send comments or suggestions to webmaster@asapconnections.org
©Copyright 2005 Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture
Project
Privacy Policy
729 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806 -Join the ASAP E-mail
List serve
Voice: 828-236-1282 or fax: 828-252-2882 email: info@asapconnections.org
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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