Appalachian Institute promoting 'folk systems' as a sustainable form of modern agriculture

The Appalachian Institute for Mountain Studies in Western North Carolina is "working to foster food systems that blend Appalachian environmental knowledge with modern technology," Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt reports for Mountain Xpress in Asheville. "They hold classes on traditional agriculture, permaculture, wild food and medicinal herbs, supporting a resurgence of the principles of older 'folk systems' into a modern economy." (Xpress photo by Hayley Benton)

“Traditional agriculture in Appalachia was highly local,” AIMS Executive Director James Veteto told Sezak-Blatt. It was supplemented by hunting, fishing and wildcrafting of a wide variety of locally available, seasonal wild foods and medicines … and there was a fair amount of trade. Folk systems typically rely on and utilize a much broader array of biodiversity than modern agriculture,” which are generally more sustainable than mainstream industrial agriculture.

"Growers seeking to incorporate folk agriculture back into the local economy have been aided by the re-emergence of farmers markets and roadside farm stands," Sezak-Blatt writes. "Ordinances passed by Asheville City Council over the last decade have allowed farmers markets to operate in residential areas and removed the permitting requirements for accessory structures — such as greenhouses and hoop houses — and residential farm stands."

"Veteto says the principles of folk systems can also be used noncommerically when neighbors trade their harvests or share the yield of communal gardens," Sezak-Blatt writes. He told her, “There are lots of stories of people, churches, etc., in historical Appalachian communities that cooked meals for people who were suffering from food insecurity. I think the role of community used to be much more prominent in proving for community food security and health. Producing your own sustenance gives you a sense of self-worth, independence and connection to the natural world. It is a fundamental, elemental type of empowerment." (Read more)