Celebrate our rural heritage by buying local

Here in Brunswick County where our beautiful beaches lure people from around the world to our sand and surf, it can be easy to overlook the community’s rich agricultural heritage.
While sea-related ways of life are a dominant part of our history, so is the area’s richly diverse agriculture heritage.
There are about 40 farms in Brunswick County listed as Century Farms. There are many more other farming operations—big and small—here, too.
You’ll find many of these farms inland along rural areas such as Ash, Longwood, Bolivia and Supply. Some of them are fully operational; others are more “hobby” farms where families take on smaller projects, like growing crops or raising animals, for themselves and others.
While farming doesn’t have as large of an economic impact in our county as it once did, it is still an important part of a vibrant, sustainable community.
If you haven’t checked out the area’s agricultural heritage, take time to do so. A leisurely drive down our rural roads will quickly remind you there is more to this coastal community than just sand and surf.
But you can do more than just learn about these farms; you can help support them and keep them going. Throughout the county on any given day you can drive up to several roadside stands where local farmers are vending their products, mostly fresh fruit and vegetables. The summer season is the perfect time to take in the best of what they have to offer.
There are also many more permanent offerings, like Holden Bros. Farm Market, Ludlum’s, Indigo Farms and more. And while summer is here, you can also visit other farmers markets throughout the county.
The Buddy Kelly Farmers Market in Shallotte is open from 8 a.m. until noon every Saturday until October. It’s behind the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce building off Main Street in Shallotte.
Southport has a great waterfront farmers market off of Bay and Davis streets. It’s open every Wednesday through the end of September. Leland has a farmers market, too. You can learn about these and more at www.feastdowneast.org.
Whatever you’re doing this summer, take some time to support our local farmers and small-time growers. You can do a lot to help your neighbors and have access to great, healthy, affordable food. Do your part to keep Brunswick’s agriculture heritage alive.