Local agriculture helps fuel a farm-to-table autumn harvest

In North Carolina, agriculture supports more than 700,000 jobs and has an economic impact of more than $90 billion annually — and for those in the industry, there is no real off-season.

While the farmer's market usually hits peak traffic every summer, harvests continue well into the fall and winter, largely thanks to the state's lengthy growing season.

"We're really lucky in North Carolina to have a climate that fosters the growth and success of so many different crops and commodities throughout the year," said Chip Shilling, manager of Issues Management and Sustainability at BASF, a global company dedicated to fueling agricultural solutions. "You can find more than 90 different crops grown across the state from Christmas trees to sweet potatoes — we're actually number one in the country in sweet potato production."

Since starting in his role at BASF more than a decade ago, Shilling has worked across various divisions within the company, from petrochemicals to the Agricultural Solutions Division. In his role, he helps support agriculture and farms around the state and country.

One farm that BASF has fostered a connection with is Nash County's Leggett Farming Partnership. Owned by first-generation farmers Brent and Sue Leggett, the farm was started in 2005 and spans around 3,000 acres.

The Leggetts grow everything from cotton and tobacco to peanuts and strawberries, so they're busy harvesting fresh and local produce year-round.

"Because we grow a diverse array of crops on our farm, we are harvesting something nine to 10 months out of the year. When possible, crops are harvested mechanically with motorized farm equipment, and produce crops like sweet potatoes, broccoli, and strawberries are harvested by hand with great care," said the Leggetts. "Local farmers and business owners support their communities, which helps sustain our country, and local produce is not only available at farmer's markets — it can very often be found in big-box grocery stores, as well."

For those who don't have access to a farmer's market, many grocery store chains nowadays have initiatives to provide market opportunities to smaller and local farmers in their regions. When it comes to finding local options, the state is continuously working with local farms to spread awareness.

Most recently, the N.C. Department of Agriculture launched an app called Visit NC Farms, which helps consumers locate and visit the farms nearest to them. For Leggett Farms, the app has already made an impact on their traffic.

"Recently, I had the chance to visit the Leggett's farm, and they were talking about how people from three to four hours away were able to find and visit their farm to pick strawberries in the early part of the pandemic," said Shilling. "Without apps like Visit NC Farms, this may not have occurred or could have been more difficult for consumers to find local farms that they can physically visit."

In shopping directly at local farms or buying local produce from farms or markets, individuals are able to make a direct impact on the local economy, pouring money directly back into strengthening businesses in the community.

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to stock up on local foods that are in season — and if you ask the Leggetts, there's one particular vegetable that can't be missed.

"This time of year is great for sweet potatoes, of course. They're available all year long, but most people think of this vegetable more in the fall and at holidays," said the Leggetts. "Our sweet potatoes are marketed to many grocery stores and foodservice outlets, and there are endless ways to incorporate them into your daily meals, from breakfast to dinner and side dish to dessert."

While agriculture has always been a major industry in the state, Shilling hopes through the increased support of both the state and BASF, local farms will continue to boom and transform North Carolina into an agricultural hub.

"Just like Silicon Valley has become the hub for technology, I see the Triangle becoming the home for agriculture and AgTech. Agriculture already contributes more than $90 billion to North Carolina's economy annually, and I only see that growing," said Shilling. "I'm excited about the future for BASF and how we are supporting ag across North Carolina, but also across the country and the world — and whether you're working for a company like BASF or managing a farming operation, there are opportunities to get involved with agriculture, from technology to marketing and beyond."