Logo of the Oconee Farm Foundation featuring a wood barn, a large tree, fields, mountains, and the sun.

Our Mission

Rooted in Oconee County, the Oconee Farm Foundation exists to elevate local agriculture by fostering meaningful connections between farms, families, and community. Through educational outreach, agritourism events, and community initiatives, the Foundation champions shopping local and cultivates homesteading values that strengthen our region’s resilience and preserve its agricultural heritage for generations to come.

Our Story

The Foundation grew out of the success of the first Oconee Farm Crawl, a simple idea to open farm gates and invite the community in. What started as one joyful day of exploring local farms quickly became a movement of connection, education, and celebration of all things local. Today, that same heartbeat drives everything we do.

Our Events

Oconee Farm Crawls

Our signature event is expanding in 2026 to include both a Spring and Fall Crawl. During each event, local farms open their gates for tours, tastings, and hands-on experiences. Each Crawl celebrates the people and stories behind Oconee County agriculture.

State of Agriculture in Oconee County

An evening for Oconee County farmers to find connection, encouragement, and information on new events, initiatives, and resources.

Four beekeepers in white protective suits and veils examining a honeycomb frame outdoors, with a beehive box nearby.
A young boy wearing a gray t-shirt, camouflage shorts, and a backwards black baseball cap, standing next to a small pony with a rainbow-colored mane and a golden unicorn horn, on a farm or petting zoo setting with trees in the background.
Group of six children sitting on hay bales outdoors on a sunny day, holding a hashtag sign that says '#OconeeFarmsCrawl', smiling at the camera.
Four people sitting on hay bales in front of a vintage blue tractor with pumpkins, gourds, and yellow chrysanthemums, surrounded by metal grain silos, outdoors on a farm.
A man with a gray beard and a cap touching noses with a light-colored horse through a fence on a farm, with blue sky and trees in the background.

Our Board

Kristi Carleton – Founder & Executive Director

Brittney McCall – Secretary

Kelley Collier – Treasurer

Nick Carleton – Director at Large / IT Support

Our board is made up of fellow hardworking farmers and homesteaders who each bring their own unique gifts and experience to the team. They share a deep love for the Oconee Farm Crawl and are dreaming together for the future of the Foundation.

Our Team

Kristi Carleton- Event Planner

Trixi DeRosa-Davis- Event Planner

Cornerstone Designs- Graphic Designer

Lake Life Technology- Website and IT

Our Impact

Dozens of farms showcased across Oconee County

Hundreds of families introduced to local food and farm life

Growing partnerships between farmers and local organizations

Get Involved

Donate

Our 501(c)(3) status is still pending, but we will update the site when we can accept donations.

Partner with Us

Let’s work together to elevate agriculture in Oconee County! Fill out the contact form to connect with us.