This year marks the fifth anniversary of the PolkFresh Farm Tour, which will be held on Saturday, September 20, throughout Polk County and in conjunction with the ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project) Farm Tour which is held on both Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21 throughout Western N.C.
Organizers are currently finalizing all participants for this year’s event as well as seeking sponsorships and volunteers. Applications can be obtained online at www.polkcountyfarms.org or through our interim Director of Agricultural and Economic Development, Dawn Jordan.
All applications must be completed by Monday, June 30. Right around a dozen farms and vineyards will be selected. Participants will be announced in early July and tickets will be available for purchase shortly thereafter.
Criteria for participation on this year’s tour will be based on highlighting Polk County’s regional focus of diverse agricultural offerings; all farms should be in Polk County although border counties of Rutherford and Henderson will be considered. In commemoration of five strong years of promoting the county’s agricultural history, we hope to offer a wide selection of old and new farms and show a balance of tried and true farming techniques as well as insights into some newer methods. Everyone is encouraged to celebrate and honor the people who grow our food while unearthing the many treasures our county holds. Polk County has many unique agri-businesses that lend much to the rural character and economic stability of our region. Many testimonies share how excited participants were to know of all the goodness growing in their community; this has become an inspiration as we switch from a global to a regional marketplace.
The PolkFresh Farm Tour allows us the opportunity to meet our neighbors, our resident farmers, and others in surrounding communities as we learn about agriculture, food products and enterprises available right in our own backyard.
Tickets are sold by the carload (unlimited occupants) pre-event. Special discounted passes will be available to families with children in Polk County schools thanks to a generous donation from Slow Food Asheville Foothills. A motorcycle pass will also be available. All passes sold will be accepted throughout the weekend at both the PolkFresh Farm Tour and the ASAP Farm Tour.
Proceeds raised will directly benefit the farmers of the area with all monies going to farms through the office of Agricultural & Economic Development, which runs the local Farmer’s Markets, and works with Polk Fresh Foods, Inc. Last years proceeds purchased a honey extractor and supplies, which are made available for shared use to anyone in Polk County.
Contact Dawn Jordan 704-692-4358 or d.jordan@polknc.org or Mindy Wiener mindywiener@gmail.com for further information on the event or to get involved as a participant, a sponsor or a volunteer.

– article submitted
by Mindy Wiener