Two new studies involving CEFS researchers highlight innovative approaches to preparing farmers, educators and food system leaders for the future of agriculture.
North Carolina’s agricultural future will depend not only on what farmers grow, but on how we prepare the people who will lead the state’s food and farming systems. Two newly-published studies involving Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) researchers explore how education and workforce development can help meet that challenge.
Published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, the studies examine two complementary approaches to agroecology education: creating hands-on pathways into agricultural careers and building stronger networks among the educators preparing future food system leaders.
In Agroecological Workforce Education: A Case Study of Registered Apprenticeship as an Agroecology Education Model, CEFS researchers Angel Cruz, Kathleen Wood, Sara Kidd, Hannah Dankbar and Michelle Schroeder-Moreno examine CEFS’ Sustainable Vegetable Production Registered Apprenticeship as a model for agricultural workforce development. The study found that paid, hands-on learning combined with technical instruction, competency-based training and mentorship can provide a meaningful pathway into agriculture while building the skills and confidence needed for long-term careers.
A second study, Building Capacity for Transformative Agroecology Education: Lessons from the North Carolina Agroecology Educators Network, looks at the educators themselves. Jacob Rutz, Angel Cruz, Saskia Cornes, Alexia Witcombe, Dawn Rodriguez-Ward, Frieda Kahan and Ann Bybee-Finley explore how the North Carolina Agroecology Educators Network (NCAEN) brings educators across institutions together to share knowledge, develop new teaching approaches and strengthen agroecology education across the state.
Together, the studies point to a common need: North Carolina’s agricultural future requires new ways of learning, teaching and entering the agricultural workforce. By connecting educators, farmers and aspiring agricultural professionals, CEFS and its partners are helping build the knowledge, relationships and career pathways needed for a more resilient food system.
The authors also emphasize that education and workforce development are only part of the solution. Aspiring farmers continue to face significant structural barriers, including access to land and capital. Still, the studies demonstrate the important role education can play in preparing the people who will shape the future of North Carolina agriculture.