There is a brand new non-profit that has opened its barn doors within Polk County. Growing Rural Opportunities, or GRO, has formed after years of hard work and collaboration of key players in the development of our local food system. The basic mission of GRO is to provide resources for farmers to promote a more viable agricultural existence in Polk County.

Original programs and projects embraced and launched by GRO include the Beginning Farmers Program, which will play host to a myriad of farming opportunities including permaculture, organic practices, biointensive, and other sustainable farming methods. Farmers will start on a collective large farm where they will work and learn together. As their abilities are honed they will have the chance to move on to land dedicated to their own efforts while still receiving support and guidance at locations spread throughout the community.

The organization begins with two staff members, Patrick McClendon, former director of the Mill Spring Agricultural Center, who now serves as the executive director of GRO and Sydney Klein, who currently serves as the project coordinator for Grow Food Where People Live in Polk County.

Grow Food Where People Live focuses on improving access to healthy food for low-income families while also providing them with training in gardening, food preservation and preparation, and the healing power of foods.

Several other core programs are a part of the original mission of GRO and they have invited the entire community to learn more this Saturday, April 9 from  4-7 p.m. by attending their highly affordable and guaranteed good time launch party.

The event will be at Leap Farm in Bright’s Creek featuring a tree shaded pasture amphitheater and live bluegrass music from the Bald Mountain Boys of Asheville. Chef prepared smoked pastured pork sandwiches and sides are paired with local beer and wine. Bonfires and lawn games abound and good times to be had by all. You can’t find many more naturally beautiful settings than this one, my good farm and food friends, and the company, food, and entertainment are all top drawer.

Let’s show our support as a community of eaters who have asked for access to good, clean, fair food for all to be a top priority in our precious Polk County. This is a group that represents our area farmers as a collective whole. Let’s go out enjoy their well-planned party and ask what we can do to participate!

Leap Farm is located at 1835 Palmer Road in Mill Spring, N.C. For ticket information visit growrural.org or call Patrick McClendon at 828-699-9672.