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connecting communities

THROUGH LOCAL FARMS & FOODS

Our mission is to connect farmers, gardeners, food entrepreneurs – and those who want to be – with resources to foster healthy, thriving and resilient communities.

About us

ABOUT APPALACHIAN RC&D COUNCIL

Established in 1994, the Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving Northeast Tennessee and beyond.


ARCD provides training to farmers and backyard gardeners, lends support to farmers markets, works to increase local food access for all, and strives to strengthen the local food system as a whole by bridging the gaps between producers, buyers, distributors, restaurants, and consumers.

How does it all
connect?

Training farmers & gardeners to produce local foods

Connecting consumers to these farmers & gardeners through a local farm & food hub
Providing programming to increase food access and nutrition for all
Increasing knowledge in the importance of our farms & foods promoting conservation for future use of these resources

Our Programs

Core Area Programs

Farmland Conservation

Supporting local farms and foods is not possible without the farmland to do it on. All ARCD programming is weaved around the importance of preserving this vital farmland through sustainable agriculture practices.

Farmer and Gardener Training

From gardeners who have never sown seed before to seasoned farmers expanding their operation, ARCD provides training and resources to expand local food knowledge & production.

Nutrition & Food Access

ARCD promotes nutrition and food access for everyone by providing programming open to underserved populations in our community. These incentive programs aid participants in their purchasing and knowledge of how to prepare locally grown, nutritious foods that may have otherwise been out of their reach.

Local Farm & Food Hub

Not a farmer or gardener? No worries!
ARCD provides a channel through which the community can learn and connect with local farmers, food producers, and farmers markets supporting local infrastructure and providing healthy and nutritious options.

Help us SUPPORT

Local farms & food in Northeast Tennessee and beyond

Your support of ARCD’s work is integral in ensuring the continuation of our programming. Make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking below.

INSIGHTS

Latest Announcements

Farm Profile: A Different Chick stays different

A Different Chick Farm and Orchard is a small family-run urban farm in the heart of Johnson City, Tennessee. The farm is only 6 acres in size, but you would never know that by looking at the huge variety and quantity of goods the Stanleys offer for sale.
Learn More