Long Farm

Cherokee County

Acreage: 32

Year: 2019

The Long Farm is an organic operation that specializes in heirloom and heritage varieties of produce and livestock. Owned and operated by Harold Long, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and his wife, Nancy, the farm includes a forest canopy for specialty crops, like ginseng and goldenseal, and bottomland that includes Grape Creek stream frontage and excellent soil for planting. Located just off the historic Unicoi Turnpike, the 32 acres sits on an old trading path that was part of the Trail of Tears route.

The Long Farm was conserved as a result of the 2014 Farm Bill, which awarded funds for the conservation of important farmland in western North Carolina. In addition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, partners in the project include the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, Brad and Shelli Stanback, the Community Foundation of North Carolina, Conservation Trust for North Carolina and Harrah’s Casino.