In 2017, an entrepreneurial couple, Steve Yuzzi and Lori Lacy, broke 13 acres of soil that had not seen a tiller blade in more than 30 years. On a farm nestled in Cowee Valley, Yuzzi and Lacy planted the first hemp seeds in Macon County, at the same time founding Appalachian Growers.
Hemp is defined as a cannabis plant with a level of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of no more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. For the last eight years, Appalachian Growers has thrived in an ever-changing industry. Their focus has remained the same: to sell holistic hemp products nationwide, through their online website, wholesale clientele, and retail festival shows.
Co-owner Lacy was first introduced to hemp when searching for a helping aid for her daughter’s inflammation, which was the result of an autoimmune disease. Lacy and her daughter found positive results in their usage of hemp for not only inflammation but also as a sleep aid. Lacy, who has an extensive background in fitness and wellness, began searching for holistic hemp products. She soon realized that companies in the industry were not eager to share basic product information, such as sourcing, ingredients, and manufacturing processes. Lacy and her partner, Yuzzi, saw an opportunity to change the industry and began educating themselves to start a reputable, holistic hemp company.
Co-owner Yuzzi is a Franklin native and veteran entrepreneur who is passionate about seeing his hometown progress. In the planning stage for Appalachian Growers, Yuzzi found it imperative that Franklin should be their home base. The company strives to maintain local employment and actively engages with the community through its membership in the local Rotary Club, Franklin Chamber of Commerce, and the Visit Smokies Organization. In 2024, Visit Smokies named Appalachian Growers as Wellness Business of the Year.
The product and the process
Hemp takes about three to four months to grow and is harvested within a single growing season, May to mid-August. The farming team at Appalachian Growers takes the harvested hemp and breaks it down into a full-spectrum distillate, basically a pure form of CBD.
Hemp-derived products have numerous health benefits, such as: inflammation reduction, anxiety and stress relief, improved sleep, and pain relief. Appalachian Growers’ primary focus is the wellness of their clients, ensuring they find the right product to treat whatever issue they are experiencing. With the versatile use of hemp-derived products, Appalachian Growers has created an extensive line including: full-spectrum CBD tinctures, gummies, tablets, and topicals (i.e., roll-ons, salves, massage oil).
“We do all the labeling and finishing ourselves,” said Lacy.
Being a Better Business Bureau-accredited company, Appalachian Growers undergoes rigorous self-imposed audits. Accrediting bodies like Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), USDA Organic, and Oregon Tilth Organic require high standards to be met. These certifications ensure that plants are grown organically, harvested correctly, and products are created in a hygienic environment.
Today, Appalachian Growers continues to experience growth in sales numbers each month, thanks to its considerable online presence and personable company-to-customer relationships. Owners Lacy and Yuzzi stay connected with their customers through education, adopting a boots-on-the-ground approach.
To find out more information about Appalachian Growers, products, and story, visit www.appalachiangrowers.com.