Appalachian Resource Conservation and Development Council

Northeast Tennessee Food Vision (NTFV) Is a Movement Led by a Partnership of Local Food System Stakeholders Whose Goals Are to Increase Investment in, Improve Access to, and Increase Consumption of Locally Grown or Produced Food in the Eight County Region of Northeast TN. Northeast TN Has a Strong Agricultural Foundation, and High Demand for Local Products, But the Region Lacks Producer Training and Technical Support, and a Cohesive Brand for Locally Grown and Produced Foods. Local Farmers Consistently Report a Need for Marketing and Technical Support and Training to Achieve Certifications Required to Sell Goods to Larger Markets. NTFV Will Establish a Food Policy Council (FPC) to Advocate for County and State Level Policies That Support a Healthy Food System, and for Community Investment in Food System Infrastructure Improvements. NTFV Will Also Establish a Regional Farmer Cooperative (RFC) Which Will Connect Producers to Wholesalers, Distributors, Grocery, and Restaurant Buyers, Andwill Launch a Regional Local Food Branding and Marketing Campaign Titled Northeast Tennessee Grown to Support Producers and Increase Demand for Locally Grown Food. NTFV Will Provide Marketing, Technical Assistance, and Training to Regional Producers and Markets. the Project Will Also Launch a Virtual Local Food Hub Where Farmers Can Network With Grocery, Restaurant, Institutional, and Wholesale Buyers, and Can Access the Resources Established by the RFC. the Counties Included in the Project Are Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington. the Partnership Is Led by the Appalachian Resource Conservation and Development Council and Includes First TN Development District, Appalachian Producers Cooperative, First Bank and Trust, and Jonesborough Locally Grown.