Appalachian Sustainable Development - ASD

08/28/2026

Join us for participant-led silvopasture conversations with ASD Agroforesters! 🌳

These remote sessions will be one hour long, without set agenda. This is an opportunity to ask specific questions to Agroforestry professionals about silvopasture systems, plans, management, funding programs, site preparation, and more. No experience necessary.

You can register here: https://www.addevent.com/event/fnkr4x02rxqv

We hope to see you there! ☺️

08/27/2026

Details for the Appalachian Harvest Food Boxes that will be distributed in Duffield on Friday (August 28th) - Please remember to stay in your vehicles - we will load the box for you! 😊

Pickup time: 10-12 (We usually run out sooner)

Place: Appalachian Harvest Food Hub, 280 Boone Trail Road, Duffield, VA.

Details: The boxes are free to anyone who needs food. You don’t have to pre-register or sign up; just pull into the car line, stay in your car, and we will load your box for you.

Contents: Fresh, nutritious, delicious veggies, and milk- all sourced from area farmers and producers ❤🍶🚜

08/26/2026

Our Forest Botanical Planting Stock is now on sale! 😊🌱

We have Blue Cohosh, Black Cohosh, Goldenseal, Solomon’s Seal, and Wild Yam – all sustainably sourced from a local producer – available for purchase through September 30. If you’re a forest farmer in need of planting stock, we’ve got you covered

All planting stock orders will ship in November depending on soil and weather conditions.

Get your planting stock now: https://asdevelop.org/product-category/planting-stock/

You can also contact Annie Jane Cotten at [email protected] if you have any questions Happy farming! 👩‍🌾

08/26/2026

After the success of our first-ever Barn to Run 4-Miler last year, we are overjoyed to announce that we’re running it back! 🏃

This year’s fundraiser walk/run will be hosted on October 5th, once again at the Meadows Sports Complex in Abingdon, Virginia. Snacks and water will be provided, and there will be prizes for the winners 😉 Huge thanks to We Run Events for partnering with us for this event!

Not only is this a great chance to get outside and connect with your community, but you will be supporting local farmers, as well as the folks here at ASD. You can also participate virtually if that’s more your style. A little support goes a long way!

Early bird registration starts… today! Not only is it cheaper, but the first 100 to register will get a free t-shirt. You can register for in-person or virtual participation, although virtual participants are not eligible for the event t-shirt. Kids 12 and under are $10.

Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/BAbingdon/AppalachianSustainableDevelopmentBarnToRun4Miler

08/25/2026

🔊 Apply for a For Farmers Movement Grant‼️

Hello farmers! 🧑‍🌾 There is a new exciting grant opportunity we wanted to share with you.

If you’re interested in getting funding for your farm, now’s the perfect opportunity! The For Farmers Movement have several grants available that can help you with infrastructure, equipment, covering for losses, and so much more 😀

There are 100 available Foundational Grants, alongside one Land Stewardship Grant and at least one Transformational Grant. The grants deadline is Monday, October 12, 2026 (by midnight EST).

For more information, follow this link to the grant’s information page:
https://www.forfarmersmovement.com/apply-for-a-for-farmers-grant

Good luck! 👏

To apply for the Land Stewardship Grant and the Transformational Grant, farmers must submit the same application (and must apply for a foundational grant). The application includes questions where you share your concept/idea for those projects. The grant review committee will request additional mate...

08/24/2026

Thank you to ASD’s board of directors and staff for participating in a meaningful and productive annual retreat on Saturday 😊 We reviewed our new 5 year strategic plan and shared deep discussions with our very passionate and committed team.

ASD board chair Dirk Moore shared, “I really enjoyed our conversations -- providing valuable information and ideas from highly gifted and passionate people -- an amazing exercise in functional organizational management.”

08/20/2026

Details for the Appalachian Harvest Food Boxes that will be distributed in Duffield on Friday (August 21st) - Please remember to stay in your vehicles - we will load the box for you! 😊

Pickup time: 10-12 (We usually run out sooner)

Place: Appalachian Harvest Food Hub, 280 Boone Trail Road, Duffield, VA.

Details: The boxes are free to anyone who needs food. You don’t have to pre-register or sign up; just pull into the car line, stay in your car, and we will load your box for you.

Contents: Fresh, nutritious, delicious veggies, and milk- all sourced from area farmers and producers ❤🍶🚜

08/19/2026

Wow! Our first Annual Taste of Damascus was amazing 🎉

Thank you everyone for coming out, especially with the rain. The energy was great, and we are so glad you got to experience the best chefs/restaurants Damascus has to offer 🥰

We want to give a special thanks to…

Our vendors/event partners:

The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail
Appalachian Heritage Distillery & Brewery
The Damascus Brewery
The Town of Damascus
The Tipsy Bear
Wilson's Cafe and Grill
The Damascus Diner
Damascus Old Mill Inn and Restaurant
The Cottage Cafe

Our amazing sponsors: Skyline National Bank, Food Lion, Bank of Damascus, and Appelle’s Entertainment

And our volunteers: Buddy, Brian, K.T. (The Coffee Thief), and the rest of our amazing volunteers.

We couldn’t have done it without your support. See you all next year! ☺️

08/18/2026

ASD’s work to transform Central Appalachia requires sustained investment 🌄 By joining the Growing Tomorrow Together family, you create momentum that builds month after month 📈

You help build resilient farms, a ready workforce, and a stronger local food system across Central Appalachia 🌱

Join our Growing Tomorrow Together family and start your $19 monthly gift today: https://asdevelop.org/recurring-giving/

Your recurring gift is 100% tax-deductible. Thank you for your generosity and for supporting our mission ♥️

08/17/2026

Too hot to cook inside? 🥵 We get it.

Take dinner outdoors this week with local beef from Henry's Produce Market 🥩🔥
Easy meals, less cleanup, and no heating up the kitchen 🙌

💳 EBT accepted