Our Focus

High Country Local First is a non-profit organization that seeks to strengthen our community and local economy by supporting locally owned, independent businesses and farmers through education, promotion and networking. High Country Local First envisions a community where local businesses are prosperous, where citizens make informed decisions on how and where they purchase goods and services, and a community that as a whole becomes more self-reliant by utilizing the strength of its own assets.

When purchases are made locally, rather than from national chains, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms – continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community. Also, significantly more tax dollars are kept in the High Country, helping to support schools, civic services and community improvements. When you purchase local, the health, wealth and vitality of the community are improved. Think Local First!

Our Programs

The Local First Campaign is an effort to increase awareness and support of independent, locally owned businesses in the High Country.

As Michael H. Shuman, author of Going Local , writes, "Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages and serve primarily local consumers. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back into the community where it belongs."

Food and Farming Program

The Food and Farming Program is dedicated to supporting and building a sustainable local food system in the High Country. This website is an effort to bring together the various sectors involved in the local food movement here in the High Country. Through our website, we will be able to provide the community with information on where to buy local food, why this is so important, what events and workshops to attend, and opportunities for individuals, organizations and businesses to network through our “communities” page. We have a plethora of farmers, organizations, restaurant owners, grocers and consumers who care about growing food locally and sustainably. We now need to get ourselves organized and networked to grow this vital sector of economy and create the health, wealth, capacity and connections of a resilient community.

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Local First News

Wendell Berry on the Importance of Local, Sustainable Economies
Source: Business Alliance for Local Living Economies; National Endowment for the Humanities National Endowment for the Humanities Awards & Honors: 2012 Jefferson Lecturer Wendell E. Berry Lecture It All Turns On Affection By Wendell E. Berry Because a thing is going strong now, it need not go strong for ever, [Margaret] said. This craze for motion has only set... click here for more

Survey Shows Local Job Growth Despite Recession
Source: The Cap Times; Business Alliance for Local Living Economies Despite recession, Dane Buy Local members created 467 jobs last year No, Tara Ingalls isnt solving the employment crisis on her own. But the owner of a Madison-based graphic design firm is proud of doubling her staff over the past year to eight employees. Were generating a... click here for more

NC Cooperative Extension agent teaches Watauga students about nutrition

By:  Margie Mansure

You’ve decided to purchase the healthiest breakfast cereal available. But reading the nutrition fact labels only confuse you. Just ask a third grader for assistance.

Third grade students at Bethel, Cove Creek and Mabel Elementary schools have completed eight weeks of rigorous nutrition study.

One ... click here for more

More Information

If you need information about any of our services, please feel free to use our contact form.

Business Spotlight

High Country CSA
Since 2009, HC-CSA has been connecting our community with  fresh, organic products grown and made right here the High Country.  CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture which means that the farmer receives money up front for the growing season ahead and in turn, the consumer receives a weekly share of fresh products throughout the season. ... click here for more



*We would like to thank local photographers; Alistair Burke and Tommy White for allowing us to use their photographs on our website.

High Country Local First is fortunate to have fiscal sponsorship and business support from Inquiring Systems, Inc. (ISI) while we await our 501 (c)(3) status. ISI’s focus is directed toward developing, nurturing and maintaining the resiliency, viability and sustainability of ecosystems and related business entities. With over 30 years of experience in assisting organizations and businesses in the role of advocate, counselor, planner and consultant, they are positioned to help High Country Local First in growing the community you love

A Special Thanks to our Founding Sponsors and Sustaining Members