The Center for Environmental Farming Systems’ Blog
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!
CEFS Events Associate
CEFS is hiring an Events Associate to provide technical day-to-day customer service and support of the operations of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) in particular, providing event management support services to program staff.
2025 CEFS Apprentices
Congratulations to the Recent Graduates of Our Registered Agriculture Apprenticeships! We're celebrating the hard work and dedication of recent graduates from CEFS’ Registered Agricultural Apprenticeships and we are also welcoming new applicants for [...]
WNCStrong Youth Service Corps Celebration
On November 8, 2025, we celebrated the amazing work and growth of our WNCStrong Youth Service Corps participants! We launched the WNCStrong Youth Service Corps to help western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene [...]
Growing Up Local: How Strategic Systems Are Bringing Farm-Fresh Food to Preschools
Imagine a plate of vibrant, local fruits and vegetables served to a curious three-year-old. That’s the core of Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE), which connects children aged 0-5 with gardening, cooking, and [...]
Celebrating 2025 North Carolina Crunch
Farm to ECE Institute participants celebrating NC Crunch! The North Carolina Crunch promotes healthy eating and supports farm to school, farm to early care and education (ECE), and other local food initiatives throughout the state. [...]
EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: Recovery After Hurricane Helene
EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), an initiative of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), works to strengthen the local food system across 12 Western North Carolina counties and the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern [...]