The Center for Environmental Farming Systems’ Blog
Dr. Dara Bloom named Assistant Director of Community Based Food Systems at CEFS
RALEIGH (July 15, 2020) — Dr. Dara Bloom was recently named (Interim) Assistant Director of Community Based Food Systems at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), effective July 1, 2020. Dr. Dara Bloom, is [...]
CEFS stands with Black, Indigenous and all People of Color
In these troubled times, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) stands with Black, Indigenous and all People of Color (BIPOC) and we condemn the impacts of systemic racism on individuals, families, communities and [...]
CEFS COVID-19 Portal
Like so many others, CEFS initiatives and research units have been impacted by COVID-19. Staff and affiliated faculty have adapted quickly to the new environment and are continuing their programming and research projects in compliance [...]
Twenty-Five Years of CEFS: Strong Roots, Sustained Growth
Stepping into CEFS’ early days, it was clear right away what made this new initiative different: it was an innovative, interdisciplinary, collaborative effort between different departments at multiple universities, and included voices from non-profit organizations, farmers, and the general public.
NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Staff Fight Hurricane Florence Floodwaters at CEFS’ Field Research, Education and Outreach Facility
Hurricane Florence is one of the worst storms to hit North Carolina, ever. CEFS' Field Research, Education, and Outreach Facility at Cherry Research Farm is located in Goldsboro, one of the hardest-hit areas of the state. NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Research Station Manager Andy Meier and his crew have gone above and beyond -- as they always do in extreme situations -- to protect and care for livestock on the farm and minimize damage to crops and infrastructure.
Local Food Councils Tackle Hunger and Food Access Issues in North Carolina
Even though it is only 7 a.m., the conference center is buzzing with activity. Representatives from food councils across North Carolina have called an impromptu meeting to discuss a response to federal budget cuts which threaten funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net.
UFOODS Supports Value Chain Collaboration to Bring Local Food to Campus at UNC-Pembroke
UNC-P more than doubled their year-over-year percentage of local produce (defined as sourced within 250 miles) purchased through FreshPoint, from 3.35% to 8.9%.
Building Community and Capacity at the 2017 NC Statewide Food Council Gathering
We continue to be inspired by these convenings as a way to strengthen relationships and voices to build power in our local communities.
Events for Local Government Officials Highlight Economic Development Potential of Local Food and Farm Businesses
In September, Local Food Economies and the NC 10% Campaign organized three Innovations in Economic Development through Local Foods gatherings to showcase investments that local and regional governments can make to support small and mid-scale food and farming businesses.
Local Food Ambassadors Gain Food Systems and Leadership Skills
The NC 10% Campaign's Local Food Ambassador Program offers year-long paid employment to student Ambassadors to organize around local food issues on their university and college campuses. We checked in with a few former Ambassadors to learn what they gained from their experience.
Small Farms Field Day 2017 at N.C. A&T State University
The largest classroom at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University isn’t just for faculty and students.
Five Questions with CEFS Graduate Fellow Angel Cruz
Five questions with Angel Cruz, a CEFS Graduate Fellow who recently graduated from N.C. State with a Ph.D. in Agroecology. She used participatory action research (PAR) to conduct research with smallholder farmers in rural El Salvador for a three-year research project to evaluate the role of sustainable soil management in improving food security for smallholder farming communities.