In the coal-impacted New River Gorge region of Southern West Virginia, New Roots Community Farm is seeking to build a just, equitable, and regenerative local food economy by enhancing the viability of local farms, increasing access to local food products, and engaging people to learn about food system concepts. New Roots’ project seeks to redevelop an abandoned 2-acre farmhouse site located on their 82-acre community farm into a convening space called the New River Gorge Agriculture and Culinary Center. The center would provide small farms and food businesses with access to consistent sales channels and fill a gap in the local food market by sourcing products from regional producers, while also supporting the community’s health outcomes and bolstering the growing tourism and outdoor recreation industries in the region.
“NRCF is grateful for the Just Transitions Fund’s support through the Coal Communities Get Ready Challenge. This program is encouraging New Roots Community Farm to dream big, all while providing resources to increase our capacity to go after our vision. We are excited to advance the planning efforts for the Food and Ag Center located on our 82 acre farm under this program. The Food and Ag Center will allow us to grow markets for local and regional producers, host more community workshops and events, and help create value-added products for new markets and programs.”
– Susanna Wheeler, Executive Director, New Roots Community Farm
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