The Farm to Senior Services Project connects Western North Carolina seniors with fresh, local produce and nutrition education to combat health issues and food insecurity Through partnerships with local farmers and community organizations, the initiative supports local partners in creating institutional pathways for local food.
The Small Farm Unit is hiring a Horticulture and Natural Resources Extension Assistant.
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.
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.
The Farm to Senior Services Project connects Western North Carolina seniors with fresh, local produce and nutrition education to combat health issues and food insecurity Through partnerships with local farmers and community organizations, the initiative empowers older adults—like participant-turned-advocate Vivian Lawrence in Burke County—to embrace healthier lifestyles and active community involvement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
