Mission
We are dedicated to strengthening the High Country's Local Food System by supporting women and their families with resources, education, and skills related to sustainable food and agriculture.

Vision
We envision an equitable local food system that protects the environment, strengthens the local economy, alleviates hunger and poverty, and improves community health.

We accomplish this by:​

• Providing opportunities for women farmers to share knowledge.
• ​Connecting consumers and produces through our Farm Tours and dinners.
• ​Educating consumers about cooking skills and self-sufficiency.
• Preserving our local agricultural heritage and landscape.
• Providing and expanding market & educational opportunities for farmers.
  
• Combating food insecurity by increasing affordability and access to locally produced food.
  

Meet our staff

meet our board

Long Term Goals

Increase the economic viability of farming and food processing, especially among women.

Encourage farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices.

Educate the public about sustainable food and agriculture.

Improve food security.

Help us reach these goals

Current Service Area

North Carolina
🍅 Alleghany 🍅 Ashe 🍅 Avery 🍅 Caldwell 🍅 Mitchell 🍅 Wilkes 🍅 Watauga 🍅 Yancey 🍅

Tennessee
🍅 Johnson County 🍅

History

BRWIA was started as a grassroots project in 2003 by a group of women farmers, gardeners, and agricultural supporters. Our founding mothers were looking for the space and supportive network for sharing resources and information.  We obtained our 501 (c) 3 nonprofit status in 2004 in order to advance our organization's mission and work to create positive change in our community through sustainable agriculture.

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture from angela hensley on Vimeo.