Friends,
As we turn out the lights here at Buy Haywood to begin our winter sabbatical, our entire team wishes you and yours a holiday filled with joy, good health and prosperity. This feels like the strangest time and the most important time to extend well wishes in all the ways you celebrate the season.
Prior to Hurricane Helene, agriculture in North Carolina was trending growth and record breaking success according to data collected by NC State University economist Mike Walden. North Carolina’s agricultural economic impact rose to $111 billion, up from $103.2 billion last year, announced Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.
Then the worst of the worst imaginable happened. Hurricane Helene tore through our region. Carolina Public Press published an article, “‘Worst’ year ever for farms in North Carolina
NC: farms face bitter harvest after drought and storms.” This is an important, yet difficult read about the impacts of Helene on the farming and agriculture community across our region.
Here we are on December 3—weeks post-Helene. What can you and I do to make a difference? We can dig in to support local farms, makers and agripreneurs more than ever. Beyond “hope and prayers” together we have the power to change their future with our dollars. It is tiny little decisions that make the biggest difference and it’s a year-round opportunity to slow money down and support our local economy.
Our friends at Mill Town Farmers Market are hosting their annual Kringle Market on on 12/6: 3-7p. Our friends at Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market are hosting their Holiday Markets on 12/7, 12/14 and 12/21. Follow both on Facebook for event updates.
Some of Haywood’s finest makers like Waynesville Soda Jerks, Copper Pot and Wooden Spoon and Sunburst Trout Farms sell their products year-round. You can find them at their own gift shops, websites or any number of specialty retailers found on our website.
Want to keep farm fresh items on your menu? Don’t miss the most delicious eggs, beef and chicken from our friends at Shady Brook Farm and the boutique butcher counter at Grebleknud Meat Company. You can find these and others on our web directory. Always fresh, always Buy Haywood!
Read more in our HOLIDAY GUIDE!
If you’re interested in joining a CSA (community supported agriculture) for 2025, this is the time! Visit our website for more information and membership options.
Lastly, as you also dig in for the winter and aim to surround yourself with comfort food. Don’t miss our library of farm fresh recipes. There are so many healthy and affordable dishes that have become family favorites in my house.
As we turn the page from 2024 to 2025, sending my best wishes to each of you!
Tina Masciarelli, MLA
Project Coordinator, Buy Haywood