We go through an extensive process to choose the best farmers with the best selections. After picking a farmer with good credentials, we set up an initial fact-exchanging session. We also try their meat or produce. Touring the farm is also a necessary step in selecting farmers for our service. Our ranchers all go through USDA certified butchers, and the USDA also tours the farms to be sure that they are abiding by humane handling practices. If you would like more information about our producers please contact us.

Carolina Grown works with farmers from across the state of North Carolina to bring you the best of what our state has to offer. We work with all types of farms -- large and small, certified, non-certified, and conventional -- to be able to offer a large variety of food items. In addition to establishing contact with each farm initially through phone or e-mail, a member of the Carolina Grown founding staff visits each farm to verify, first-hand, growing and raising practices as well as to talk with the farmer and his or her staff face-to-face. Carolina Grown members have access to more specific information on each individual farm via our menu each week.

Our produce farmers range from small to large farms, and also vary in growing methods, from USDA certified organic, non-certified organic growers, and conventional growers.

USDA certified growers provide us their certification number and must follow USDA rules and be evaluated annually by the USDA to retain their certification. Our non-certified organic growers have chosen not to pay into the certification program and are more interested in their clients holding them accountable. They use organic/all natural means of production, from natural composting to safe, all-natural pesticides (no synthetic chemicals). Our conventional growers are non-GMO.

Our farmers respect all animals and their farming practices display the respect they have for animal life. Some of our farms are Animal Welfare Approved. All of our farms offer pastured, free-range animals, with no added hormones or antibiotics. The farms use sustainable practices, only supplementing food for necessity during harsh winter months with all-natural supplemental food in addition to allowing the animals access to the pastures.

Our dairy farms work with pasture raised animals, and and some may supplement feed to ensure the quality and quantity of milk produced, particularly during the harsh weather of the summer and winter months. Our dairy providers do not raise animals with added hormones or antibiotics, nor do they add hormones or antibiotics to the milk. Our milk providers offer pasteurized milk. Due to state laws, we cannot sell, nor can we get, raw milk for human consumption.

We work primarily with small to mid-sized fishermen and coastal organizations, such as Brunswick Catch, that work to preserve the integrity of the NC fishing industry. We offer fish and seafood caught off the NC coast and also offer farm-raised, fresh-water rainbow trout from the NC mountains.

We work with local bakeries, not large national chains, to provide freshly baked breads, pies, muffins, and more. Baked goods are free of artificial preservatives, and require long-term storage in the refrigerator or freezer to retain their freshness.

Beginning in late January 2012, we are happy to be able to provide NC beers and wines from across the state. We work only with wineries and beer breweries in the state of NC, and offer a variety of wines, from muscadines, to European style wines, dry whites and reds, dessert wines, and more. Our beers are made from local and imported hops, and also are brewed in a variety of styles.