Farm-to-Table explains how ASAP, or the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, brought a coherent vision to Asheville’s “Eat Local” movement: Asheville, NC prides itself on a thriving farm-to-table scene and flourishing network of family farms. While the city owes that reputation to many active organizations and individuals, one local non-profit laid the groundwork for city’s food future. ...

“ASAP has spent a lot of time collecting and communicating information about local food. We get to know locals farmers and share that information, so the community can make accurate and well-informed decisions when they decide to buy local,” says Rose McLarney, who handles Communications & Marketing for ASAP….

The creation of ASAP’s Appalachian Grown Certification has also helped educate local buyers. ...

ASAP works with local schools on the Growing Minds Program.  ...

In 1995, Charlie Jackson started what would become the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP). At the time, tobacco was falling out of favor as the tobacco and cigarette industry came under fire.