2018 Sustainable Agriculture Internship Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Because our students travel from all over the country and all over the world, we have created this webpage to help try to answer some frequently asked questions.

How long has this internship been in existence?

We are pleased to announce that 2018 will mark the 19th year of the Internship Program. Each summer we have the unique opportunity to bring together students from all across the country and world to learn about the many aspects of sustainable agriculture from expert faculty and staff at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS). This enriching program highlights hands-on farm work, lectures and discussions, community engagement, and field trips to local farms and markets.

What can you tell me about the history of Goldsboro/ Wayne County?

Wayne County, located in the coastal plains of North Carolina, nestled between the Neuse and Little Rivers, was formed in 1787. However, it was not until the addition of a railroad line the 1840’s, that ‘Goldsborough Junction’ was born. Originally named after Major Matthew T. Goldsborough, an Assistant Chief Engineer with the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, the sleepy town continued to grow and by 1847 was incorporated and became the county seat. In 1869 the spelling of the city was officially shortened to Goldsboro.

Today Goldsboro boasts approximately 45,000 residents and is best known as the home of Seymour Johnson Air force Base. Located approximately 60 miles east of Raleigh, it is conveniently located east of the intersection of Interstates 40 and 95.

Additional information can be found at the following websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldsboro,_North_Carolina
http://www.greatergoldsboro.com/
http://www.waynecountychamber.com/

What is the area like immediately surrounding the Research and Extension Facility at Cherry Research Farm?

The area where the Center for Environmental Farming Systems resides is rich in colorful history. The farm sits on part of a larger 15,000 state owned parcel of land.

Cherry Hospital was opened in 1880 as a psychiatric facility for mentally ill African-Americans. The surrounding > 2,200 acres was farmed as a source of food for the hospital. Patients worked on the farm as part of a therapeutic regimen and gained knowledge and skills to enable them to integrate into society upon release. In 1974, the farm was transferred to the NC Department of Agriculture and serves as one of 18 research stations located across the state. In 1996, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, a partnership between NC State University, NC A&T State University and the NC Department of Agriculture, was officially launched and today is one of the nations’ largest centers for the study of environmentally sustainable farming practices.

Just down the road you will find the O’Berry Center, a neuro-medical treatment center for individuals with severe and profound mental retardation requiring significant medical and nursing care. Originally opened in 1957 as a school for African-Americans with developmental disabilities, its primary goal is to serve as a school to help the mentally retarded achieve independence by teaching self-help skills and productive vocations. On the campus, you will find residents in vocational programs that make pottery and crafts for Berry Towne Gifts, bake at Sweet Treats bakery and work in the facility’s greenhouse.

Also in close proximity to the farm are the Neuse Correctional Institution (NCI) and the now closed Goldsboro Correctional Facility. The NCI is a minimum security facility that participates in a work release program with the farm with inmates participating in operations at some of research units, garage, grounds and maintenance. In the 20+ years that inmates have worked on the farm there has never been any incidents reported of improper conduct.

What kind of housing arrangements are there?

All interns and the Program Assistant will be housed at the University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive, NC. Up to four students will share a four-bedroom suite. There is a shared bathroom and kitchen space. While the bedroom, living room and kitchen are furnished, the kitchen DOES NOT HAVE ANY KITCHEN ITEMS (pots, pans, plates, cooking or eating, utensils… you get the idea. You will be connected with your “suite-mates” well in advance so that you can coordinate who is able to contribute what so you don’t end up with 4 rice-cookers and no forks, etc.
There are laundry facilities located on campus which you will have access to and there are several nearby laundromats, as well.

Will I have access to computers or internet while I am there?

The University of Mount Olive does not have computers so students are encouraged to bring personal laptops or computers since you will be required to complete a group project and group paper. There is free campus-wide WIFI.

How will I get around to the various locations?

Transportation to all internship related activities is provided. Personal vehicles are allowed and many interns find it helpful for getting around town – to go grocery shopping, dinner out, etc. (There is usually a lot of carpooling for personal errands. For interns that do not have a vehicle, transportation arrangements will be made each week for groceries, etc.)

As an intern in this program, what are your expectations of me?

This is a core seven-week period (June 18 – July 27, 2018). All interns are expected to be on-site Monday through Friday and to participate in the formal learning program in addition to the special research project arranged with your Faculty Mentor. It is important to note that some experiential learning opportunities or research projects may require work outside the Monday through Friday, 8:00 – 5:00 pm schedule and may include weekend work. There will be one mandatory weekend field trip during the internship program.

Interns will be expected to participate in basic manual farm work at the CEFS’ Small Farm Unit (an possibly other research units) with general farm duties including weeding, seeding, planting, harvesting vegetable and small fruit crops as well as all associated activities involved in animal husbandry. There will also be local food engagement activities that help students learn more about community-based food systems work here in NC. While not mandatory, interns are encouraged to come together once a week on their own for a discussion on readings, watch films and pull together not only the weeks’ discussion topics but also how each topic fits under the ‘sustainable agriculture’ umbrella. At the conclusion of the internship program, a written report and PowerPoint presentation on your research project will be due in order to receive course credit.

Will course credit be made available upon completion of the internship?

Six credit hours of college credit will be offered through North Carolina State University – Non Degree Program on a PASS/FAIL grading system. All students are required to complete an application for the university prior to May 1. It is the individual’s responsibility to communicate with their academic adviser (at their home institution) to see how these credits will transfer.

Is CEFS involved in any social media?

Please join us on the CEFS Facebook page, the CEFS Internship & Apprenticeship Program page or follow us on Twitter!

You can meet up with friends of CEFS, previous interns and apprentices and learn from insiders what it is like to participate in the internship.

What is the Alcohol and Drug Policy?

*** The Center for Environmental Farming Systems, NC State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the University of Mount Olive and Cherry Hospital have a ZERO tolerance policy for the use or possession of illegal DRUGS and/or ALCOHOL on their property. If you are caught in use or possession, it will result in immediate termination of your internship program. TOBACCO use of any kind (smoking, chewing tobacco, dip, vaping) is highly discouraged and is prohibited at most of the above named facilities.***

Download a printable PDF of “Frequently Asked Questions” here. 

(Updated 12-1-2018-LMF)