ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a new multiyear strategic plan aimed at identifying timely and relevant goals and strategies to focus its work over 2026–2030. An overview of the strategic plan can be found at asapconnections.org/about-us.

"This plan represents a collective step forward for ASAP to continue to center local and regional partnerships in co-designing and implementing strong programs as we build a thriving, local food system that meets the needs of our community," said ASAP Executive Director Molly Nicholie. “In a world of complex challenges ranging from more frequent and severe weather events, to uncertainty in funding and programs, we must remain responsive to these evolving needs.” 

In 2025, ASAP engaged staff and board to examine the goals and effectiveness of ASAP’s programs, pressing challenges, aspirations, and areas for refinement or growth to increase our impact. As part of the process, ASAP reviewed input from farmers, small businesses, educators, parents, market managers, shoppers, partners, and other community voices to better understand the nonprofit’s strengths, opportunities, internal and external risks, and program strategies. ASAP’s process was led by a strategic planning committee and facilitated by HunterKemper Consulting. 

The plan outlines five key goals: 

• Strengthen Programs to Expand and Deepen Impact. 

• Develop and Energize Partnerships to Support Local Food System Engagement and Community Connections.

• Refine External Communications to More Effectively Engage Strategic Audiences.

• Strengthen Organizational Capacity to Support Shared Learning and Adaptability.

• Bolster ASAP’s Financial Resilience to Support Organizational Sustainability. 

The development of the strategic plan was supported in part by Dogwood Health Trust and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. 

Source: ASAP.