Facing a steady increase in the population of the North Carolina mountains and foothills and changes wrought by modern technology, farmers today have blended many innovative ideas with traditional farming techniques, resulting in a diversified and strengthened agricultural economy.

Traditional Crops

Traditional crops such as corn, tomatoes, apples, and peaches continue to be grown widely in the North Carolina mountains and foothills.

For decades, burley tobacco has been a mainstay cash crop and a way of life for mountain farmers. But rising fuel costs and the end of federal price supports have led thousands of tobacco farmers to accept the terms of a federal buyout and quit growing the crop. Many of these farmers are compensating by expanding their produce and livestock operations, while others have sought new crops to replace the tobacco that was once their mainstay.

New Crops

Christmas trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, and herbs, native medicinal and culinary herbs, traditional wild foods, and organic vegetables have become vital to the agricultural economy of the region. Aquaculture has increased to such an extent that North Carolina is now second in the nation in trout production.

Viticulture has also spread in popularity, as new vineyards and wineries are established along the eastern edge of the mountain region. The Yadkin Valley, home to over two dozen vineyards and wineries, boasts two federal recognized American Viticultural Areas: Yadkin Valley AVA and Swan Creek AVA.