Since 1995, Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) has been working to propel our mission to build a thriving regional food and agriculture system that creates healthy communities, respects the planet, and cultivates profitable opportunities for Appalachians..

In the beginning ASD focused exclusively on 15 counties in northeast TN and southwest VA. Today our work has expanded to include partners in WV, eastern KY and southeast OH.

We strive to collaborate with a variety of partners to significantly expand our impacts by leveraging the intersections between agriculture, economic development, community building and health.

Our Experience

ASD has been working with farmers, traditional and non-traditional agricultural partners for more than 25 years. We are committed to strengthening local and regional economies by helping beginning farmers focus on building their farming businesses and plans around growing demand. We believe that a pipeline of beginning farmers with business acumen and resources is what is needed to grow adequate supply to meet demand.

ASD plays a critical role in the rural food system in Central Appalachia. We have been able to expand our work and have a greater impact on larger projects that involve numerous partners who value and work to create stronger local food cultures, public health, economic development and workforce development.

The Opportunities

Amidst poverty and food insecurity, Central Appalachia has bountiful natural resources, including water, a history of agriculture and the advantage of being within a 500-mile radius of more than 50% of the US population. There is a great demand for agricultural products and we have the available workforce, land and the necessary resources to meet that demand.

ASD’s mission is to build a thriving regional food and agriculture system that creates healthy communities, respects the planet, and cultivates profitable opportunities for Appalachians.

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