The Center for Environmental Farming Systems’ Blog
Welcoming CEFS Summer 2026 Interns: Agroecology Scholars Program in Research and Extension (ASPIRE) & Farm to Early Care and Education
CEFS welcomes 16 summer interns to the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), including 12 students participating in the Agroecology Scholars Program in Research and Extension (ASPIRE) and 4 interns supporting Farm to Early Care and Education (Farm to ECE) initiatives across North Carolina.
Practical Science for Growers: Organic Bell Pepper IPM Research at CEFS Field Research, Education, and Outreach Facility
At CEFS Field Research, Education, and Outreach Facility at Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro, NC and other locations across the Southeast, researchers are conducting a comprehensive bell pepper cultivar trial focused on practical, grower-centered Integrated Pest Management (IPM). What makes the Cherry Research Farm site especially significant is that it is the only organic research location included in this multi-state project.
Shironda Brown Receives 2026 NC Association of Cooperative Extension Specialists Award
Shironda Brown, Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Training Coordinator and Extension Associate with the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), has received the 2026 NCACES Award for Outstanding Subject Matter Program Developed by an Individual. Brown was nominated by Robyn Stout and Dara Bloom in recognition of her leadership and impact through North Carolina’s Farm to ECE program.
Apprenticeship Program Coordinator
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is seeking an Apprenticeship Program Coordinator to support, strengthen and expand agricultural apprenticeship opportunities, specifically the Sustainable Vegetable Production Apprenticeship and a soon to be developed Sustainable Livestock Production Apprenticeship.
WNCStrong Youth Service Corps Launches 2026 Cohort
On April 21st, the WNCStong Youth Service Corps held its orientation program for the 2026 cohort. This year, 17 students from western North Carolina will participate in internships at six local host farms.
Earth Day Ag Showcase at the Small Farm Unit
CEFS celebrated Earth Day on April 22 at the Small Farm Unit at Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro, welcoming more than 350 attendees for a sold-out day of hands-on learning and community connection.
Jennifer Badger Receives 2026 CALS Values Award for Integrity
On April 22, 2026, Jennifer Badger, Area Specialized Agent, Agribusiness with North Carolina Cooperative Extension and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems' (CEFS) EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) team, received one of the 2026 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Values Awards for Integrity during the CALS Celebration of Excellence.
Dara Bloom Recognized with NC State Engagement Awards and AHS Faculty Award
On March 24, 2026, Dara Bloom received three awards from NC State's Academy of Outstanding Faculty in Extension and Engagement (AOFEE) and the Office of Outreach & Engagement during the Engaged University Awards celebration at the University Club.
Expanding our Impact in Western North Carolina
CEFS is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Dogwood Health Trust and expand our impact in Western North Carolina.
Honoring CORE and Community Food Strategies and Celebrating Their Next Chapters
As part of a federally mandated organizational transition, CORE and Community Food Strategies will move to a new home: Upstream Works Collaborative, where their work can continue to grow and evolve. This transition allows the initiatives to continue their work with focus and flexibility as they enter their next phase.
Expanding Farm to Senior Services in Western North Carolina
CEFS has received a $145,200 Dogwood Health Trust grant to expand Farm-to-Senior Services in Western North Carolina, improving local food access for older adults. The two-year project will strengthen community-based food systems and pilot local food purchasing efforts in McDowell, Burke, and Yancey counties, as well as the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
CEFS-Affiliated Faculty Receive National Recognition for Forages and Grasslands Work
In January 2026, Dr. Matt Poore & Johnny Rogers, leaders of Amazing Grazing, received the Medallion Award at the American Forage & Grassland Council (AFGC) Conference in Asheville, NC!