Growing Rural Opportunities

GRO is a unique 501(c)(3) nonprofit wholly dedicated to supporting local farmers and promoting local food. Founded in 2015, the organization has quickly risen in programmatic successes and has big visions for the future of agriculture in the Foothills region of NC. Many programs in operation at GRO were started as part of the Mill Spring Agricultural Center, a refurbished 1920s school building lovingly renovated since 2009 to become a center for farming in the lower Blue Ridge Mountains. GRO consistently works to be at the forefront of new ideas and partners with many local & regional organizations to accomplish a well-rounded & complete mission. GRO and mainly serves Polk County, NC – a vibrant rural community located 45 minutes from Asheville, Spartanburg, and Greenville. Other programs of GRO include a tool share cooperative, young farmer support, community volunteer on farms programs, annual music festival - GRO Fest, and much more.