CEFS End-of-Year Letter 2025
At the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), we are deeply committed to demonstrating sustainable agricultural practices and strengthening food systems to withstand the challenges of our changing world. Through evidence-based research and extension services, we strive to improve both farm sustainability and economic viability. Your generous support empowers us to conduct groundbreaking research, deliver essential education, and build resilient communities. The increasing severity of extreme weather events underscores the urgency of our mission—from leading research on soil health to providing critical support for farmers and communities in crisis.
The profound devastation of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, coupled with ongoing climate impacts, has intensified our dedication to supporting resilient local food systems. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, CEFS staff and our partners swiftly mobilized to provide crucial support. Initiatives like EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), NC Choices, and Farm to Early Care and Education have continued to be instrumental in delivering emergency supplies to farmers and other affected community members.
EMFS distributed approximately $150,000 in grant funds to assist impacted farmers with their recovery efforts. They also facilitate essential opportunities for resource-sharing related to food safety, recovery strategies, partnership building, and climate adaptation. NC Choices, our Cooperative Extension affiliates at North Carolina State University and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and other partners are supporting farmers in Western NC by assessing soil conditions, herd health, growing opportunities, and connecting farmers with hay and other supplies. In 2025, CEFS Career Pathways launched an inspiring new program – the WNCStrong Youth Service Corps – hiring high school students to work on farms impacted by Hurricane Helene. High school-aged youth in Buncombe, Mitchell, and Yancey counties are gaining invaluable hands-on experience through paid internships, learning about food systems and agricultural careers as they help to rebuild and restore critical farming infrastructure in their hometowns. This program simultaneously supports disaster recovery and builds vital job skills and socioemotional resilience in participating youth. Please consider a gift today to help us continue these rebuilding efforts.
CEFS is at the forefront of research to enhance soil health and agricultural sustainability. CEFS-affiliated researchers from NC State and N.C. A&T are engaged in collaborative, groundbreaking work focused on improving soil pH management, soil carbon sequestration, and identifying other crucial soil fertility and health benefits within the unique soils of the Southeast.
At CEFS’ Field Research, Education, and Outreach Facility based at Cherry Research Farm, researchers are evaluating the effects of adding crushed silicate minerals to soil. This technique, known as enhanced rock weathering (ERW), holds immense promise for permanent carbon sequestration in both organic row crop and small-scale organic vegetable production. Our research explores how ERW can improve crop nutrition, greenhouse gas mitigation, and soil health. Your support is essential to advancing this critical research and learning.
We remain focused on expanding our educational programs and reaching many different audiences. This year, we continued our popular Lunch and Learn webinars, hosted in partnership with Cooperative Extension. These accessible sessions cover a range of practical topics, including farm and garden planning, small-scale fruit production, high tunnels, and seasonal crop maintenance, serving everyone from commercial farmers to enthusiastic backyard growers. Our Small Farm Unit also hosted an experiential ag learning program for K-14 educators. With 236 applicants, this year’s cohorts included 24 participants from 13 counties. Additionally, our Farm to Early Care and Education Initiative hosted two Institutes this year and partners with childcare centers across NC to increase access to local foods while providing new market opportunities for farmers and food businesses. Interest in each of these opportunities continues to grow, and with your support we can expand our initiatives to cultivate a more skilled and innovative agricultural community.
Your continued support is essential to the success of each of these initiatives and many more. Please consider making an annual gift in support of CEFS to help us pioneer innovative solutions, educate the next generation of agricultural leaders, and support communities in times of need. Make your gift online here.
With warm wishes for a season of nourishment and joy,
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| Dr. Michelle Schroeder-Moreno NC State University Co-Director, CEFS |
Dr. Chyi Lyi (Kathleen) Liang N.C. A&T State University Co-Director, CEFS |
Funds raised in support of the Friends of CEFS Fund are collected and managed by The North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization (Tax ID# 56-6049304). You will receive an official receipt for your donation.