Haywood produce is becoming a household name thanks to marketing campaign
Haywood County has a rich agricultural history that is ever-changing.
In the early days, families lived off the land and perhaps raised enough to barter with their neighbors.
In later years, Haywood farmers enjoyed the increased productivity that came with mechanization, and for decades, tobacco was a crop that helped many a farmer pay of the mortgage and educate their children. Now tobacco fields are relatively rare as a result of the changed market conditions.
As farmers took an economic beating from weather-related events as well as cyclical market fluctuations, many of the hillsides where livestock once roamed became homesites for those seeking natural beauty and the tranquility of rural life.
Haywood County still has its share of livestock producers, those who raise hay and corn or who put up several acres of tobacco. There are also several dairy farms, apple orchards, truck farms and plenty of commercial vegetable growers in the county.
One place consumers can connect with the farming community is during the tailgate markets held throughout the county from May to late October. The markets have grown through the years and are known to be an ideal place to buy fresh-picked, local fruits and vegetables and support the local farm economy at the same time.
Recent efforts have focused on creating a distinct identify for Haywood produce to be used for marketing purposes. Think of the Vidalia onion, Florida orange juice, Washington apples or California wines.
Produce grown in the mountains has quality and taste characteristics that not only local agencies, but the state of North Carolina, are working to promote. In the future, don’t be surprised if you should encounter “the Haywood tomato.”
In the early days, families lived off the land and perhaps raised enough to barter with their neighbors.
In later years, Haywood farmers enjoyed the increased productivity that came with mechanization, and for decades, tobacco was a crop that helped many a farmer pay of the mortgage and educate their children. Now tobacco fields are relatively rare as a result of the changed market conditions.
As farmers took an economic beating from weather-related events as well as cyclical market fluctuations, many of the hillsides where livestock once roamed became homesites for those seeking natural beauty and the tranquility of rural life.
Haywood County still has its share of livestock producers, those who raise hay and corn or who put up several acres of tobacco. There are also several dairy farms, apple orchards, truck farms and plenty of commercial vegetable growers in the county.
One place consumers can connect with the farming community is during the tailgate markets held throughout the county from May to late October. The markets have grown through the years and are known to be an ideal place to buy fresh-picked, local fruits and vegetables and support the local farm economy at the same time.
Recent efforts have focused on creating a distinct identify for Haywood produce to be used for marketing purposes. Think of the Vidalia onion, Florida orange juice, Washington apples or California wines.
Produce grown in the mountains has quality and taste characteristics that not only local agencies, but the state of North Carolina, are working to promote. In the future, don’t be surprised if you should encounter “the Haywood tomato.”