Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture Documentary:
"Farm, Food & Community"

Huge thanks to Documentary Co-Directors: Anne Ward and Chip Williams with Coneflower Creative, who said "Yes!" to making this documentary and capturing our story in celebration of our 20th anniversary.  ​
This documentary looks at the impact Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, a nonprofit organization founded 20 years ago to help women farmers in the High Country of Western North Carolina, has had on its community.

The documentary shares insights from current employees of BRWIA, local farmers who benefit from BRWIA's programs and also includes stories about the organization's history from its Founding Mothers.

BRWIA's Founding Mothers

At Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, we’ve been reflecting on the past twenty years of this organization, and on the trailblazing women whose commitment to this community allows us to flourish today. 

Over twenty years ago, a group of High Country women began gathering at one another's farms, in fields, and in classrooms. They shared meals, knowledge and resources to create a network of support as they grew their small farm businesses. We refer to this group as BRWIA’s Founding Mothers.

Their vision and perseverance laid the groundwork for BRWIA’s future as a hub for community, education, connection and greater access to local food.

Click blue profiles below to read more!

Pat Beaver
Carol Coulter
Diane Price
​Sue Counts
Judi Scharns
Mary Boyer​
Chilton Rogers 
​Bettie Thomas 
Hollis Wild
Diane Deal
Jane Chandler
Della Riley
Kathyrn Smith
(Profiles not available)

+ BRWIA's Keeper of Stories

Tathel Miller

Tathel Miller is a writer, journalist, blogger, grandmother, gardener, and what we like to call our "Keeper of Stories." Carol Coulter introduced us to Tathel in early 2023 as we were starting to think about how to tell the story of our 20th anniversary. We are deeply grateful to Tathel for helping us reflect on our past and dream of our future. Read her profile here.

The Archives

BRWIA's First Grant, June 2003, Mountain Times Article​
BRWIA in 2015, with Support of
​Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation
​Original Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture - click for full article 
 Watauga Democrat | Written by Judith Phoenix
Originally Published July 9th, 2015
​(Republished in 2023 for our 20th anniversary)
P.O. Box 67 | 969 W King Street
 Boone, NC 28607 | 828.386.1537
Email: [email protected]
© 2023 Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture | Most Rights Reserved

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture is a non-profit tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)3 of the IRS code (Federal ID # 34-2011588). 

Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the state.