News – Center for Environmental Farming Systems

Practical Science for Growers: 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.

Marcello Cappellazzi2026-05-26T14:55:16-04:00May 22nd, 2026|Agrophile, News, Organic Research Unit, Small Farm Unit|

Farm to Senior Services Builds Healthier Communities Through Local Food

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.

Marcello Cappellazzi2026-05-26T14:47:21-04:00May 22nd, 2026|Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), Farm to Senior Services, News|

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.

Abigail Sherrod2026-05-22T10:31:06-04:00May 21st, 2026|Agrophile, CEFS Happenings, NC Farm to Early Care and Education, News|

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.

Janie Hynson2026-05-14T15:31:23-04:00May 14th, 2026|Agrophile, Employment, News, Uncategorized|

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.

Abigail Sherrod2026-05-26T15:04:13-04:00May 11th, 2026|Agrophile, CEFS Happenings, News, Uncategorized, WNCStrong Youth Service Corps|

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.

Abigail Sherrod2026-04-29T12:55:24-04:00April 27th, 2026|Agrophile, CEFS Happenings, News, Small Farm Unit|

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.

Abigail Sherrod2026-04-28T12:11:27-04:00April 27th, 2026|Agrophile, CEFS Happenings, Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), Hurricane Helene News, News|

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.

CEFS2026-04-29T14:20:26-04:00April 10th, 2026|Agrophile, CEFS Happenings, Farm to School, Farm to Senior Services, NC Farm to Early Care and Education, News|

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.

Janie Hynson2026-03-20T10:30:18-04:00February 27th, 2026|Agrophile, Career Ladder, CEFS Happenings, Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), Farm to Senior Services, Hurricane Helene News, NC Choices, News, WNCStrong Youth Service Corps|

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.

CEFS2026-02-23T15:49:39-05:00February 18th, 2026|Agrophile, Community Food Strategies, News, Uncategorized|