More About the
Farm Tour:

About the Farm Tour

BRWIA supports the development of an equitable local food system that:
Protects the environment.
Builds the local economy.
Alleviates hunger and poverty.
Improves community health.
For the last nine years, we have hosted the High Country Farm Tour to strengthen our local food system by:
  • connecting producers and consumers, 
  • educating the public about sustainable food and agriculture, 
  • and providing farmers with opportunities to increase their income.
BRWIA recognizes that the health of our food system depends upon community support and consumer education.

We believe that by providing community members with opportunities to visit local farms, connect with farmers, and learn more about growing food sustainably, we can create an educated consumer base that supports and advocates for locally-owned and operated farms and businesses.
Last year, the High Country Farm Tour featured 20 participating farms in Ashe and Watauga Counties counties and attracted more than 500 participants. 

In 2014 BRWIA worked with a researcher from Michigan State University to do the most extensive evaluation of the farm tour yet! This evaluation resulted in several changes that will be seen in 2015. This year, BRWIA plans to expand the farm tour in the following ways:


  • Focus on individual counties on separate Saturdays (instead of one weekend) to maximize visits and reduce the time commitment from Farms
  • Increase the advertising campaign to boost community participation 
  • Offer more volunteers to help visitors and farms make the most out of the tour.
  • Further encourage participating farmers to sell farm products and refreshments during the farm tour

The 2016 High Country Farm Tour is a wonderful opportunity to educate consumers about the importance of sustainable agriculture and local food while also increasing income through on-the-farm sales and advertising. If you are interested in strengthening our local food system, we hope you will consider participating in the 2016 High Country Farm Tour by becoming a supporter, volunteer, or a participant.