Compass Group North America Sponsors the Center for Environmental Farming Systems’ 2009 “Seasons of Sustainable Agriculture” Workshop Series

RALEIGH, N.C. (August 11, 2009) – Compass Group North America has been named the lead sponsor for the Center for Environmental Farming Systems’ (CEFS) Seasons of Sustainable Agriculture Workshop Series.

The Seasons of Sustainable Agriculture Workshop Series is one of CEFS’ initiatives to promote sustainable, community-based food systems, healthy communities, and healthy economies. With a series of education, extension, and outreach offered each year, CEFS shares its knowledge and experience in sustainable agriculture with producers, agricultural professionals, and the general public, enabling all citizens to take part in creating in a vibrant future for agriculture.

The 2009 series began in February and will run through November. Among this year’s topics include organic crops, swine production research, blueberry pruning, vermicomposting, egg production in a range setting, community based food systems, and food safety.

Cheryl Queen, vice-president of communications for Compass Group, “There has never been a greater interest in locally based food systems than now as people question where their food comes from and the safety and ethics applied in food production. We think the work done by CEFS is critical in raising awareness, providing education based on science-based research, and seeking solutions that benefit farmers, consumers and communities.”

Compass Group shows its support for sustainable agriculture and healthy rural economies with its Compass 360 initiatives—their latest being the Ag in the Middle program in partnership with the Institute for Agricultural Trade Policy, supporting mid-sized farms in North Carolina and throughout the country. Compass Group has been a supporter of CEFS, beginning with the sponsorship of Slow Food Founder Carlo Petrini’s visit to North Carolina in 2007.

Nancy Creamer, Director of CEFS, “We are so pleased to be partnering with Compass Group on our sustainable agriculture workshop series. This is one company that is making a huge difference in the world by its continued work to influence the sustainability of production practices, especially in animal agriculture, and to raise awareness nationally of sustainable food systems issues.”

About Compass Group North America

Based in Charlotte NC, Compass Group North America is the leading foodservice and support services company with $9 billion in revenues in 2008. With 388,000 associates worldwide, its parent company, UK-based Compass Group PLC had revenues of ₤11 billion in the year to September 30, 2008. www.cgnad.com

About the Center for Environmental Farming Systems

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) was established in 1994 by North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. These partners work closely with state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations (for example, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, Rural Advancement Foundation International, Farm Bureau), farmers, and citizens to provide agricultural research, extension, and education for North Carolina and beyond. The development of CEFS is a national model for partnership, innovation, and interdisciplinary cooperation. www.cefs.ncsu.edu

For details on the 2009 Seasons of Sustainable Agriculture workshop series, click here.  A downloadable brochure is available.