Know Your Farms Tour helps us support our local growers

30 area farms welcome you 1-6 pm Sept. 14-15

Last year I had the opportunity to visit several farms on the Charlotte area Know Your Farms Tour. The KYFT returns Sept. 14-15 and offers you the chance to visit up to 30 farms that sell fresh, healthy produce in Charlotte.

You might first think each of these farms is the same.  What a surprise I experienced.  We toured a grass-fed beef farm in Cabarrus County, a cheese making farm, an organic vegetable and herb farm, the Lomax Farm Incubator and we even toured a budding vineyard.

It is exciting to be part of the resurgence of local farming in this region.  If we as consumers continue to analyze our food system and ask questions, we will be encouraged to support these local farmers and entrepreneurs.

Taking it one step further is the Catawba River District and its efforts to partner in the evolution to incorporate schoolyard gardens into the local farm and health and wellness goals of our region. All too often, we get caught up in the complicated technical and often expensive aspects of education and forget the opportunity to be successful through folding the readily available aspects of our daily lives and community into the education process.

The food eco system is such an opportunity.  The math of a garden, the science of cooking, the cultural aspects of what we grow, the history of what has been cultivated over the centuries are all amazing opportunities for learning.

Please consider touring the area farms September 14 and 15 and supporting the Catawba River District at catawbariverdistrict.org.

– Edna Chirico

Tour details

Know Your Farms runs Charlotte's most convenient local food delivery service with produce, eggs, meats, and dairy from local farms. Their mission is to help rebuild a sustainable local food system in the Charlotte region. The Charlotte Area Know Your Farms Tour is self-guided, with farms located  in clusters all around the  Charlotte region for easy  touring.

Get Ready!
The tour runs 1-6 p.m. Sept. 14-15.  Vehicle passes are $30 per vehicle, or $25 when you buy in advance, so fill your car with friends and family!  Passes are available online and at various locations. Visit knowyourfarmstour.com for event details, downloadable maps and advance tickets.

Get Set!
You will only be able to visit 3-4 farms per day. Allow 1-2 hours per farm, depending on travel time.
Farms have been clustered together to help you make the most of your day. Read the farm descriptions; think about picking a farm that appeals to you and planning stops nearby.
GPS can be inaccurate in rural areas. We have included directions here and placed signs at each farm and key intersections to help you find your way. To get more detailed directions, use our Google Map at knowyourfarmstour.com/route

Go!
Almost every farm will have products for sale, so be sure to pack a cooler with ice and bring the checkbook. Many farms have kid-friendly activities, so don’t hesitate to bring the little ones (but leave your four-legged children at home)!