âGardening and farming has built in popularity for a few years now,â said April Vigardt, Catawba County Cooperative Extension agent. She specializes in agriculture and local foods.
While reviewing the USDAâs 2017 Census of Agriculture, Vigardt said the number of farms growing vegetables, melons, and potatoes increased by 126% between 2012-17 in Catawba County.
This means 43 new farms were introduced to the area, with direct consumer sales increasing by 53% between 2012-17.
Vigardt said this trend has continued an upward pattern for the county. âThere are currently six farmers markets in Catawba County, and we have seen an increase in the number of farm stands and stores in the past year as well,â she said.