

firsthand Foods
Description of Company:
Firsthand Foods is a branded meat company that connects North Carolina’s pasture based livestock producers with local food lovers, restaurants, and retailers. They source pork and beef from a network of remarkable farmers who comply with their production protocols, including raising their animals humanely, on pasture, without feeding
antibiotics or animal by-products, or using added hormones. They purchase live animals direct from producers in their network and do the legwork necessary to get a consistent selection of quality local meats into local markets.
Programs and Services Offered:
Technical Assistance:
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Consulting with farmers, entrepreneurs and others interested in starting local meat businesses and meat-focused food hubs
Business and Legal:
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Meat wholesaling to connect producers with consumers/markets
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Marketing services for NC livestock
Fees:
There are no fees for these services.
Geographic Service Area:
Statewide; Preference is given to farms in NC, but they also work with eligible producers in adjacent states (Virginia, Tennessee and South Carolina) if they are within a viable distance to cooperating processors.