TRACTOR Update

FARMER SPOTLIGHT

Cedar Johnson, Goldfinch Gardens

Nestled in the South Toe Valley of Yancey County, Cedar Johnson and Ben McCann run Goldfinch Gardens, a 2 acre Certified Naturally Grown farm. Cedar and Ben use no-till, sustainable farming practices to grow a wide variety of vegetables. With over 20 years of experience in sustainable farming, and a background studying ecological agriculture at The Evergreen State College, Cedar skillfully grows a beautiful bounty of produce TRACTOR’s Farefield Members enjoy. At Goldfinch Gardens, Cedar shares, “We value responsible stewardship of the land and producing high quality vegetables to feed our community.”

Wanted: Warehouse Associate / Driver

Looking to join the fight for food access and stronger rural agricultural communities in WNC? TRACTOR is looking for you! Food and agriculture workers are often overlooked, but we well understand the importance of dedicated, skilled and experienced folks contributing to our food supply chain. Whether you’re on the warehouse floor or on the road connecting with farms and community outlets, you’ll be handling some of the best foods these mountains have to offer. We won’t sell short the incredible farmers and partners you’ll meet along the way, too! Learn more here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Introducing Alyssa!

Meet Alyssa, the newest member of TRACTOR’s team! As Program Coordinator, she will be leading TRACTOR’s daily facility operations. You can learn more about the rich background Alyssa brings to this collective work of building powerful food systems:

Alyssa Austin, Program Coordinator (she/her)

Originally from Roswell, Georgia Alyssa became interested in agriculture in high school and went on to study biology with a focus on ecology and sustainability studies at the College of Charleston. Living in Charleston for 5 years gave her the opportunity to experience how local food systems impact everyone in their community and deserve to be protected as they are a vital element of culture, wellbeing, and resilience. She spent the last 2+ years in hydroponic farming before locating to NC. She hopes to strengthen community ties in WNC between farmers and families through her work at TRACTOR.

TRACTOR Talk

Want to learn more about the organization and how you might contribute? Our staff and board holds an informal monthly community talk which focuses on connecting our greater network of farmers, producers, community organizations, businesses and anyone who wants to talk food and farming. With clear communication and transparency, we can collectively expand our impact on WNC food systems. RSVP to attend the next TRACTOR Talk on Thursday, April 13th at 6pm, hosted at the TRACTOR facility 10992 NC 226 HWY in Spruce Pine, NC. Contact info@tractorfoodandfarms.com or call (828) 536-0126 for more info.

ASAP Wax Produce Box Liquidation

We are liquidating wholesale volumes of ASAP waxed produce boxes at pre-pandemic rates. You won’t find them cheaper than this! Please contact Sierra Bryant (sierra@tractorfoodandfarms.com) for inquiries.

Our community partner, High Country Caregivers, is thrilled to announce their 2023 season of Learning Shack, where youth learn marketable skills and then sell what they make! If you know a youth being raised by grandparents or other relatives, in foster care, or kiddos who could use a structured, welcoming environment to discover their talents and gifts, please give Pana Columbus a call at 610-841-9774 or at pana@highcountrycaregivers.com

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN