Mountain Agriculture

Central Appalachia’s rich landscapes and natural resources offer a unique opportunity to develop a sustainable, community-driven approach to agriculture and economic development. By combining traditional mountain agriculture with modern conservation practices, we can create a model that fosters food sovereignty and long-term economic prosperity for the region.

Rural communities in Central Appalachia face complex challenges: food insecurity, economic stagnation, and environmental degradation. The need for a model that prioritizes both agricultural production and the conservation of natural resources is greater than ever. By focusing on the strengths of the region—its fertile land, natural beauty, and agricultural heritage—we can:

Increase local food production, reducing reliance on external food sources.
Enhance economic opportunities through the creation of small businesses and jobs.
Protect the environment by implementing conservation-focused farming practices that ensure the long-term health of the land.

APPALACHIAN HERITAGE

The Role of Mountain Agriculture in Food Sovereignty

Mountain agriculture, a neglected but powerful part of Appalachian heritage, has the potential to transform the region’s food systems. Through regenerative and conservation-based farming techniques, we can:

Boost local food production by utilizing traditional and sustainable methods suited to the region’s mountainous terrain.
Meet local needs and empower communities by increasing accessibility to locally produced, fresh, healthy foods.
Create resilient, self-sufficient food networks that reduce dependency on distant suppliers and mitigate the impact of rural food deserts.

Conservation and Sustainability: The Future of Appalachian Farming

At the heart of this model is the principle of conservation. By integrating sustainable farming practices like permaculture, agroforestry, and soil regeneration into mountain agriculture, we can:

Protect the region’s natural resources, ensuring that future generations benefit from the same fertile land and clean water.
Reduce environmental impact by minimizing the use of harmful chemicals, centering the preservation of biodiversity, and enhancing soil health.
Strengthen rural communities by promoting stewardship of the land and creating opportunities for eco-tourism and conservation-based enterprises.

CONSERVATION-BASED APPROACH

Economic Development Through Agriculture

A conservation-based approach to mountain agriculture is not only about food—it’s also a powerful engine for economic growth. By supporting farmers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses that align with sustainable agricultural practices, we can:

Create jobs in farming, food production, eco-tourism, and value-added agricultural businesses.
Diversify local economies, providing rural communities with more opportunities for meaningful livelihood beyond coal and other extractive industries.
Foster innovation by encouraging new agricultural technologies, conservation projects, and farm-to-market solutions that prioritize environmental sustainability.

To fully understand the need for climate adaptation in Central Appalachian mountain agriculture, research is paramount; to meet this need, EDGE is currently researching seed adaptation and scaling poultry, fruit, nut, and honey production. To revitalize communities that have been devastated by the extractive industries, informed, land based agriculture should be at the forefront of regional economic development.

A mountain agriculture and conservation-based model holds the potential to revitalize Central Appalachia’s food systems and economy. By investing in both the land and the people, we can build a region that is not only food sovereign but also resilient, sustainable, and economically vibrant.

EDGE prioritizes health, place, livelihood, and nutrition to lead land and community reclamation in Appalachia.

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PRIVACY AND TERMS