Many faculty and staff affiliated with the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) participated in the 2025 North Carolina Cooperative Extension Conference, held January 6-8 in Greensboro, NC.
CEFS’ work is inextricably connected with N.C. Cooperative Extension. CEFS initiatives exchange information with Extension Agents, including trainings, research, state-level support and networking, and technical support, and also help to connect community groups with state-level resources and networks. CEFS Field Research, Education, and Outreach Facility based at Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro, NC provides a site for Extension outreach and field research demonstrations. The conference served as a dynamic platform for CEFS staff and affiliated faculty to share their cutting-edge work in sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and community engagement.
Awards
Jessica Mrugala, Extension Associate and Local Foods Coordinator for Empowering Mountain Food Systems, and Chumper Walker, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Extension Director, were recognized during the conference for their exceptional leadership with two Regional Team Awards – the Jones Award and the NCCE Foundation Search for Excellence Awards in Extension.
Jessica Mrugala, Extension Associate and Local Foods Coordinator for Empowering Mountain Food Systems, and Chumper Walker, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Extension Director, were recognized during the conference for their exceptional leadership with two Regional Team Awards – the Jones Award and the NCCE Foundation Search for Excellence Awards in Extension. Mrugala and Walker have been instrumental in advancing food sovereignty efforts for the EBCI. Their work has brought over $11 million in federal and regional funding, supporting community-driven food production, nutrition education, and the creation of vital infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art meat processing facility. Their efforts, especially in fostering food sovereignty and sustainable farming practices, have helped to transform the food landscape in Cherokee communities. Their leadership has been foundational in increasing the local production of traditional Cherokee foods, preserving foodways, and empowering community food systems.
Conference Presentations
Additionally, CEFS-affiliated experts led multiple workshops across several key topics, reflecting their deep commitment to the future of farming and food systems in North Carolina. Presenters included Mark Blevins, Dara Bloom, Shironda Brown, Miguel Castillo, Mallory Choudoir, Angel Cruz, Hannah Dankbar, Biswanath Dari, Liz Driscoll, Remi Ham, John Lyttle, Trequan McGee, Matt Poore, Noah Ranells, Chris Reberg-Horton, Robyn Stout, and Alex Woodley. Topics covered by CEFS-affiliated presenters included: local food programs, artificial intelligence in agriculture, farm to early care and education, carbon markets, drought management, resources for new farmers, the future of small farms, the N.C. Extension Master Food Volunteer Program, soil health, cover crops, food security, youth in agriculture, and using data for farming decisions.
At the heart of CEFS’ presence at the conference was a shared commitment to supporting sustainable farming practices and community-based food systems. In partnership with N.C. Cooperative Extension, CEFS continues to ensure that North Carolina remains a leader in sustainable agriculture and community engagement, paving the way for a more resilient food future.