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As we close out another Summer and move into Fall, we want to connect directly with you — our farmers, partners, and supporters — to share updates, hear your feedback, and discuss what’s next for our programs. We have heard from many of you with questions about the new Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program redesign and funding. We look forward to sharing updates with you. Please make every effort to join the call.
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom
During this town hall, we’ll:
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Share highlights from the year, including progress from the Building Appalachian Agricultural Resilience program
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Offer a behind-the-scenes look at what’s ahead for 2026 and beyond
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Provide time for open Q&A — we want to hear from you!
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Farmer Juan McAllister and his grandfather Pinkney Oscar McAllister who purchased their South Carolina family farm in 1941.
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For Juan McAllister, farming is about legacy and renewal. His family’s South Carolina land has been in their hands since the 1940s, first tended by his grandfather with a mule and plow. After years as a chef and restaurant owner in Atlanta, Juan returned home during COVID to care for his mother — and to breathe new life into the farm his father told him never to sell.
This rebirth of the family farm is truly a McAllister family effort. Juan’s wife, Shelia McAllister, has been instrumental in shaping the farm’s direction — from securing the grant that helped move their work forward to managing core operations and guiding their shared vision for the future. Their son is also actively involved, making it a deeply multigenerational collaboration.
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Together, they’re learning regenerative practices, growing crops like turmeric and collard greens, and restoring the soil through cover cropping. Juan is also taking the next step by connecting with a co-packing company in Texas to begin the processing phase for their farm-to-table products through chefjuans.com
“Farming is all about collaboration,” he says. “You can’t feed the world alone — but together, we can make something powerful happen.”
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In the hills of Henderson County, NC, Bearwallow Valley Farms blends tradition with innovation. Nicole Coston and her husband, a fourth-generation farmer, grow apples for Gerber and GoGo SqueeZ while experimenting with global melon varieties like the Japanese Tiger Melon and Armenian Cucumber Melon, sold through Mountain Food Products, Swamp Rabbit Café, and Ecusta Market.
As a registered dietitian, Nicole infuses her passion for health and sustainability into every crop. Through integrated pest management and silvopasture practices, they’ve reduced chemical use and restored balance to their land.
“It’s incredible to see the land healing,” Nicole says. “We’re proving that farming can feed people and nurture the planet at the same time.”
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We Want To Share Your Story!
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Would you like to be featured in future publications or on our platforms? We’d love to hear from you! Share your experience with us here.
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Technical Assistance Feature
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Cover crops are non-commercial crops planted to protect and enrich the soil between growing seasons. By keeping living roots in the ground year-round, they help prevent erosion, improve soil structure, and support nutrient cycling. Cover crops also suppress weeds, retain moisture, and boost organic matter — all key to creating healthy, resilient soil.
Different species offer different benefits — legumes like clover and vetch fix nitrogen, while grasses like rye and oats build organic matter and prevent runoff. Together, they help farmers strengthen the land naturally.
It’s one of several regenerative practices we’re proud to incentivize through our farmer funding program, supporting producers who are building healthy, resilient agricultural systems. If you are a farmer in our program implementing cover cropping, we’d love to feature your farm. Reach out to us at hello@acceleratingappalachia.org.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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A recent question that we received from a farmer was, “How will the transition to Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) from Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities affect my implementation project?”
Overall, this change will not affect producers. However, as we wait for the USDA to update the terms of our contract to meet AMP’s priorities, we cannot issue payments. Also, we are awaiting guidance from USDA concerning environmental evaluations that may be required for most implementation projects.
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Together, we’re cultivating more than just healthy soil — we’re nurturing a movement rooted in resilience, collaboration, and care for the land. Each of you plays a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future for Appalachia and beyond. Thank you for continuing to grow, innovate, and lead with purpose.
Warmly,
Le’Shae Robinson, Chief Communications Officer, and the Accelerating Appalachia Team
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