TRACTOR Food and Farms

TRACTOR is a non-profit 501(3) located in Burnsville, NC. The mission of TRACTOR is to promote the Appalachian heritage of small farms and build a vibrant food economy, securing the access to local food for a healthier community.

TRACTOR values a vibrant and accessible local food economy. We believe in the preservation of small Appalachian family farms. We believe in community collaboration to end hunger and promote health and well-being.

TRACTOR works with small family farms and has generated over $708,000 in farm income into the local economy. We provide farmers with access to 25 acres of GAP certified farmland. TRACTOR works with other community partners to feed the hungry. In 2019 we sourced over 20 tons of local produce to local food pantries, provided 181 at-risk community members with fresh local food through our clinical referral food bag program (CSA), and provided 75 seniors local food in partnership with Meals on Wheels.

TRACTOR serves farm-based producers to increase economic success in commercial agriculture for local markets in the Southern Appalachian region. TRACTOR trains and educates new and existing farmers on the best production methods to increase local sales of farm-based products. TRACTOR will increase economic opportunity for farm-based producers through aggregating assets including post-harvest handling facilities, unified grading and packaging services, and coordinated marketing to retail establishments, wholesalers and consumers