Center for Environmental Farming Systems

Website Updates in Response to Federal Requirements

CEFS — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 23:24:49 +0000

To align with recent federal requirements, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems is conducting a review of website content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As a result, you may notice changes to certain pages of our website effective February 21, 2025.

We appreciate your understanding as we make these required adjustments. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to cefs_info@ncsu.edu

Program Coordinator or Extension Technician – Agriculture and Natural Resource Management

CEFS — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 03:30:35 +0000

N.C. A&T is hiring a full-time Temporary Program Coordinator or Extension Technician (11 months) – Agriculture and Natural Resource Management to support on-farm demonstrations, fieldwork, educational training, and events related to climate-smart agriculture and heirs property programming. The coordinator will provide technical, hands-on support for demonstration and educational programs involving the North Carolina A&T State University Cooperative Extension Farm Units, especially the Agriculture and Natural Resources Unit.

Learn more and apply here. ***Update 2.27.25: the application link is in the process of being reactivated. Please continue to check back to apply.***

Postdoctoral Scholar – Regenerative and Sustainable Agriculture

CEFS — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 19:08:12 +0000

Applicants must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. ***Update 2.27.25: the application link is in the process of being reactivated. Please continue to check back to apply.***

Are you passionate about sustainable farming, soil health, and climate-smart practices? Do you want to lead innovative research and extension efforts that make a tangible impact on agriculture and underserved communities? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

Dr. Biswanath Dari is seeking a dynamic Postdoctoral Research scholar to spearhead a groundbreaking applied research and extension project focused on advancing climate-resilient agriculture. This full-time position will explore cutting-edge solutions in soil health, cover cropping systems, and sustainable bioeconomy development.

As a Postdoc, you will lead the design, development, and implementation of on-farm projects and demonstration sites across the Southeast and Midwest. These initiatives will support small-scale and underserved farmers by promoting sustainable practices such as cover cropping and innovative biorefinery systems. You will also organize field days, host stakeholder workshops, develop training materials, and evaluate program outcomes.

Through collaboration with Program Director Dr. Biswanath Dari and the USDA AFRI Bioeconomy Grant team, this position integrates research and outreach to build resilience in diverse farming systems and enhance agricultural sustainability.

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in data management, integration, computer programming, and a working knowledge of machine learning to tackle the challenges of climate-resilient agriculture.

If you are ready to lead this impactful program and work at the intersection of research, education, and community engagement, apply today and help shape the future of sustainable agriculture! For more information, please contact Dr. Dari at bdari@ncat.edu.

Mountain Communities Rise: EmPOWERing Food Systems After Hurricane Helene

CEFS — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 23:46:49 +0000

[Mills River, Jan. 21, 2025] – In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on the mountain region, organizations across NC are rallying to support their farmers and rebuild resilient food systems.

Laura Lauffer, EMFS Project Director (middle), stands with grantees Meadow Cove Farm after their pickup of grant supplies which included wooden posts, metal T posts, and mesh fencing to rebuild their goat enclosure which sustained damage during the storm.

In response to the devastation of the WNC region, EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), an initiative of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), awarded $100,000 of its small business grant funds to assist farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. This award cycle was launched earlier than planned due to the hurricane and will provide crucial support to local farms struggling to recover from the catastrophic storm. This funding is part of the larger pool of funds (over 400k) planned for regional supply chain support over the next three years.

So far, the EMFS Hurricane Helene Recovery Grant has distributed 35 award letters to farmers from 10 different WNC counties, for a total of $81,085.98 worth of necessary agricultural supplies. This grant serves as a beacon of hope for the affected communities, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, collaboration can lead to remarkable recovery and a brighter future for all. EMFS will have a second round of farmer mini-grants later in the spring.

With the naturally steep terrain of the Appalachian mountains, many WNC farmers utilize the low-lying flatlands for agricultural production, including as pasture for livestock, or for fruit, vegetable, and silage fields. As the flooded rivers crested, they swept away much of the vital equipment and infrastructure these farms use everyday.

On Thursday, January 9, 2025 EMFS, in collaboration with Country Farm and Home of Pittsboro, NC, AgCare of Candler, and the facilities team at the NC State Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, distributed $6,234.39 worth of supplies to four Buncombe County farmers. This partnership provided farmers with high-quality equipment from Country Farm and Home, while the station staff generously lent their expertise and manpower to assist with the loading and transportation of heavy equipment such as wooden posts, metal fencing, barbed wire, and more to help get these farms back up and running. Find photos of the distribution here.

This collaborative effort across public and private organizations from each end of the state exemplifies the strength of community spirit and the importance of supporting local food systems. By working together with these organizations, EMFS is not only helping farmers recover from the hurricane but also strengthening the resilience of the entire mountain region.

CEFS and EMFS will continue to work in the region with Extension and Small Business Centers and other regional partners to be part of the rebuilding process through training, grants and collaborative work projects. For more information, please sign up for the EMFS newsletter here.

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems is a Center for Environmental Farming Systems/NC State Cooperative Extension project. Funding support is generously provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission, Dogwood Health Trust, and the WNC Bridge Foundation.

Find more Hurricane Helene news and resources here.

CEFS Shines at the 2025 N.C. Cooperative Extension Conference

CEFS — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 00:41:06 +0000

Many faculty and staff affiliated with the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) participated in the 2025 North Carolina Cooperative Extension Conference, held January 6-8 in Greensboro, NC.

CEFS’ work is inextricably connected with N.C. Cooperative Extension. CEFS initiatives exchange information with Extension Agents, including trainings, research, state-level support and networking, and technical support, and also help to connect community groups with state-level resources and networks. CEFS Field Research, Education, and Outreach Facility based at Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro, NC provides a site for Extension outreach and field research demonstrations. The conference served as a dynamic platform for CEFS staff and affiliated faculty to share their cutting-edge work in sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and community engagement.

Awards

Jessica Mrugala, Extension Associate and Local Foods Coordinator for Empowering Mountain Food Systems, and Chumper Walker, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Extension Director, were recognized during the conference for their exceptional leadership with two Regional Team Awards – the Jones Award and the NCCE Foundation Search for Excellence Awards in Extension.

Jessica Mrugala, Extension Associate and Local Foods Coordinator for Empowering Mountain Food Systems, and Chumper Walker, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Extension Director, were recognized during the conference for their exceptional leadership with two Regional Team Awards – the Jones Award and the NCCE Foundation Search for Excellence Awards in Extension. Mrugala and Walker have been instrumental in advancing food sovereignty efforts for the EBCI. Their work has brought over $11 million in federal and regional funding, supporting community-driven food production, nutrition education, and the creation of vital infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art meat processing facility. Their efforts, especially in fostering food sovereignty and sustainable farming practices, have helped to transform the food landscape in Cherokee communities. Their leadership has been foundational in increasing the local production of traditional Cherokee foods, preserving foodways, and empowering community food systems.

Conference Presentations

Additionally, CEFS-affiliated experts led multiple workshops across several key topics, reflecting their deep commitment to the future of farming and food systems in North Carolina. Presenters included Mark Blevins, Dara Bloom, Shironda Brown, Miguel Castillo, Mallory Choudoir, Angel Cruz, Hannah Dankbar, Biswanath Dari, Liz Driscoll, Remi Ham, John Lyttle, Trequan McGee, Matt Poore, Noah Ranells, Chris Reberg-Horton, Robyn Stout, and Alex Woodley. Topics covered by CEFS-affiliated presenters included: local food programs, artificial intelligence in agriculture, farm to early care and education, carbon markets, drought management, resources for new farmers, the future of small farms, the N.C. Extension Master Food Volunteer Program, soil health, cover crops, food security, youth in agriculture, and using data for farming decisions.

At the heart of CEFS’ presence at the conference was a shared commitment to supporting sustainable farming practices and community-based food systems. In partnership with N.C. Cooperative Extension, CEFS continues to ensure that North Carolina remains a leader in sustainable agriculture and community engagement, paving the way for a more resilient food future.

Cuidando a la comunidad: Greensboro Mutual Aid inaugura su 2.ª Nevera de la Libertad en el mercado gratuito local

CEFS — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 20:35:50 +0000

To read this article in English, please click here.

Escrito por Starletta Watson

La acción comunitaria en Greensboro, Carolina del Norte, ha estado plenamente activa en el vecindario East White Oak para hacer frente a su actual crisis de acceso a los alimentos. El 24 de febrero de 2024 Greensboro Mutual Aid (GMA) inauguró su segunda Nevera de la libertad y organizó su Mercado realmente gratuito en el Centro Comunitario East White Oak (EWOCC). La Nevera de la libertad se instaló en un lado del edificio de EWOCC dentro de un contenedor con estantes destinados a productos perecederos, pintado con colores vibrantes y cálidos, como un faro de apoyo y bondad para la comunidad.

GMA es un grupo comunitario dedicado a conectar a la gente para compartir recursos en toda la ciudad con el fin de apoyar iniciativas de vivienda y de necesidades esenciales. Desde su aparición en 2020 durante la pandemia, GMA ha utilizado recursos compartidos o de ayuda mutua para la comunidad a través de plataformas digitales y sociales de recaudación de fondos, ha organizado protestas, reuniones comunitarias y eventos, ha creado mercados gratuitos y un sinfín de otros proyectos de apoyo para personas con necesidades. Este aliado comunitario del Comité sobre Equidad Racial en el Sistema Alimentario (CORE, por sus siglas en inglés) ha colaborado con varios organizadores comunitarios de Greensboro en los proyectos de la Nevera de la libertad, entre ellos la Iglesia Luterana Prince of Peace y EWOCC.

Fue muy gratificante ver cómo GMA incorporaba la celebración de la segunda Nevera de la libertad a otra iniciativa comunitaria, el Mercado realmente gratuito. Durante todos sus mercados gratuitos, piden a los miembros de la comunidad que traigan cosas como ropa y artículos para el hogar que no necesiten y que se lleven las cosas que sí necesitan. El espacio en EWOCC, también conocido como La Gran Casa Verde, se llenó de artículos para el hogar, ropa, libros, juguetes, suministros médicos, pequeños electrodomésticos, artículos de limpieza y mucho más, entre otras cosas, con la alegría de la comunidad.

Las Neveras de la libertad son neveras públicas y gratuitas mantenidas por GMA y la comunidad a la que sirven. Conceptos similares han ido apareciendo por todo el país con comunidades de distintos orígenes para ayudar a remediar las injusticias alimentarias, como por ejemplo la nevera gratuita de Southside Community Farm en Asheville y la Nevera comunitaria gratuita de Charlotte. Greensboro Mutual Aid se ha inspirado para la Nevera de la libertad en proyectos de organizaciones de distintas ciudades de EE UU. Esta es la segunda vez que GMA ha organizado una Nevera de la libertad. La primera (una colaboración en la que también participaron estudiantes de N.C. A&T) se instaló en la Iglesia Luterana Prince of Peace, en la zona sur de Greensboro.

La EWO es conocida por su capacidad para organizarse y ser su propio líder, ya que el centro comunitario tiene su propia y rica historia de proveer para sí mismos. Antes de inaugurar la Nevera de la libertad, dos habitantes de la zona desde su infancia, Cathy Gant Hill y Alice Drake, que son miembros de la junta directiva de EWOCC, hablaron del pasado del centro cuando era una escuela en 1916. La escuela East White Oak abrió sus puertas específicamente para educar a los hijos de los trabajadores de Cone Mill del vecindario, y tras su funcionamiento durante 35 años como escuela, además de iglesia y YMCA, evolucionó hasta convertirse en el centro comunitario que conocemos hoy. Durante la década de 1950, una coalición de líderes comunitarios se unió para evitar que el concejo de la ciudad arrasara con “La Gran Casa Verde” reuniendo suficiente dinero a través de recaudaciones de fondos y venta de placas para comprar y operar las instalaciones como un centro comunitario.

EWO ha sido una comunidad históricamente marginada que carece de acceso alimentario desde que Winn-Dixie cerró en 2005, dejando a la comunidad entre dos supermercados fuera de su alcance. Otras comunidades de Greensboro similares a EWO que experimentan inseguridad alimentaria indican disparidades socioeconómicas que perpetúan los malos resultados en materia de salud. Una forma en que los vecindarios como EWO hacen frente a estas barreras sistémicas es colaborando con organizaciones como Greensboro Mutual Aid en iniciativas comunitarias para mejorar el apoyo y el acceso alimentario en el lado este de Greensboro. Pero éste no es el único lado de Greensboro que sufre la desigualdad en el acceso alimentario, ya que la primera Nevera de la libertad se encuentra justo al sur del centro de la ciudad, en la Iglesia Luterana Prince of Peace, en el vecindario de Warnersville.

Este mapa de alimentos locales creado por la Fundación Wesley de UNCG muestra que GMA está combatiendo la disparidad del acceso alimentario en ese vecindario, al igual que EWO. Otros estudios de diversas instituciones muestran que Warnersville y EWO se ven inmersos en un efecto periférico. En esta situación, los minoristas del sector alimentario tienden a elegir sedes directamente adyacentes a carreteras concurridas y de fácil acceso. A menudo se extienden a lo largo de secciones censales y otros límites geográficos, lo que hace que el acceso alimentario adecuado quede fuera del alcance de vecindarios como Warnersville y EWO.

Al final del evento de inauguración, GMA pidió a los jóvenes del vecindario de EWO que cortaran la cinta inaugural de la Nevera de la libertad. Fue refrescante ver la participación de los jóvenes de la comunidad en la inauguración del Mercado realmente gratuito y la Nevera de la libertad. Algunos jóvenes trajeron productos no perecederos para ayudar a llenar las áreas de despensa del contenedor exterior de la nevera. La artista mural y directora de CORE, Bevelyn Ukah, rindió homenaje a un joven llamado Amuarin Niquae Watkins pintando un mural lleno de colores cálidos y vibrantes por todo el contenedor exterior de la nevera, incluido el dibujo de una mochila rebosante de naranjas. Un día, Watkins llevó naranjas al centro comunitario para compartirlas con los demás. Ukah declaró en su discurso: “Nadie le pidio que lo hiciera. Este fue un acto de amor y de bondad. Este acto ejemplificó perfectamente lo que significa ser una comunidad y lo que significa practicar amorosamente la ayuda mutua.” Desde los actos generosos que inspiraron este mural, ver a los jóvenes mantener secciones del Mercado realmente gratuito, hasta los que ayudaron a limpiar el centro comunitario tras la inauguración de la Nevera de la libertad, la ayuda mutua es un acto que se siente a través de múltiples generaciones. Estos momentos, llenos de generosidad mutua y cariño en los eventos organizados por GMA, ponen en perspectiva la urgencia del movimiento por la Justicia Alimentaria, concretamente que GMA y los miembros jóvenes de la comunidad están dispuestos a hacer el trabajo por la equidad en el acceso alimentario.

Caring for Community: Greensboro Mutual Aid Unveils Second Freedom Fridge at Local Free Market

CEFS — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 20:23:53 +0000

To read this article in Spanish, please click here.

Written by Starletta Watson

Community-based action in Greensboro, NC has been in full effect in the East White Oak neighborhood to address its ongoing food access crisis. On February 24, 2024 Greensboro Mutual Aid (GMA) unveiled their second Freedom Fridge and hosted their Really Really Free Market at the East White Oak Community Center (EWOCC). The Freedom Fridge sat on the side of the EWOCC building inside of a container with shelves for perishables, painted with vibrant and warm colors, like a beacon of community support and kindness.

GMA is a community group dedicated to connecting people to share resources across the city to support housing and essential needs. Since its emergence in 2020 during the pandemic, GMA has utilized shared resources or mutual aid for the community through digital and social fundraising platforms, hosted protests, community gatherings, and events, created free markets, and a host of other projects supporting folks in need. This Committee on Racial Equity in the Food System (CORE) community partner has collaborated with several Greensboro community organizers on the Freedom Fridge projects, including the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and the EWOCC.

It was great to see GMA incorporate the celebration of the second Freedom Fridge with another community-run initiative, the Really Really Free Market. During all of their free markets, they ask that community members bring things like clothing and home goods that they don’t need and take the things that they do need. The space at the EWOCC, aka The Big Green House, was filled with household items, clothes, books, toys, medical supplies, small appliances, cleaning supplies, and so much more – including joy from the community.

Freedom Fridges are free and public refrigerators that are maintained by GMA and the community they serve. Similar concepts have been popping up across the country with communities of different backgrounds to help food injustices, like the free fridge by Southside Community Farm in Asheville and the Free Community Fridge in Charlotte. Greensboro Mutual Aid has cited its inspirations behind the Freedom Fridge from projects by organizations across cities in the US. This is the second time GMA has curated a Freedom Fridge, with the first fridge – a collaboration that also included students from N.C. A&T – located at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on the south side of Greensboro.

EWO is no stranger to coming together and being its own leader, as the community center has its own rich history of providing for itself. Before the ribbon cutting of the Freedom Fridge, childhood residents Cathy Gant Hill and Alice Drake, who are board members of the EWOCC, spoke of the center’s past as a school in 1916. East White Oak School opened specifically to educate the children of Cone Mill workers in the neighborhood, and after its 35-year run as the school – as well as a church and a YMCA – it evolved into the community center we know today. During the 1950s, a coalition of community leaders came together to avoid city council’s raze of “The Big Green House” by raising enough money through fundraisers and selling plates to buy and operate the facility as a community hub.

EWO has been a historically marginalized community lacking food access since Winn-Dixie closed in 2005, leaving the community between two grocery stores that are out of reach. Other communities in Greensboro similar to EWO experiencing food insecurity indicate socioeconomic disparities that perpetuate poor health outcomes. One way neighborhoods like EWO address these systemic barriers is by collaborating with organizations like Greensboro Mutual Aid in community-based initiatives to improve support and food access on the east side of Greensboro. But this isn’t the only side of Greensboro suffering from unequal food access, as the first Freedom Fridge is just south of downtown at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in the Warnersville neighborhood.

This local food map created by the Wesley Foundation at UNCG shows that GMA is challenging the disparity of food access in that neighborhood, as well as EWO. Further studies from other institutions show that Warnersville and EWO are situated in an edge effect. In this situation, food retailers tend to choose locations directly adjacent to busy and easily accessible roads. They often run along census tracts and other geographic boundaries, resulting in adequate food access being out of reach for neighborhoods like Warnersville and EWO.

At the end of the unveiling, GMA asked young people from the EWO neighborhood to cut the ribbon of the Freedom Fridge. It was refreshing to see the involvement of young community members at the Really Really Free Market and Freedom Fridge unveiling. Some young people brought non-perishables to help fill up the pantry areas of the fridge’s outside container. Mural artist and CORE Director Bevelyn Ukah acknowledged a young person named Amuarin Niquae Watkins by painting a mural full of warm and vibrant colors all over the fridge’s shell container, including a drawing of a backpack overflowing with oranges. One day, Watkins brought oranges to the community center to share with others. Ukah stated in her speech, “This act wasn’t prompted. This act was loving, it was kind. This act perfectly exemplified what it means to be a community, and what it means to lovingly practice mutual aid.” From the generous acts that inspired this mural, watching young people maintain sections of the Really Really Free Market, and those helping to clean up the community center after the Freedom Fridge unveiling, mutual aid is an act that is felt throughout multiple generations. These moments, filled with mutual sharing and caring at GMA-hosted events, put into perspective the urgency of the Food Justice movement, specifically that GMA and young community members are ready to do the work toward food access equity.

Business Associate

Janie Hynson — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:28:26 +0000

Applicants must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application.

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is hiring a Business Associate to provide technical day-to-day customer service and support of the operations of CEFS in particular, providing grant management support services to program staff. In addition, this position will stay up-to-date on program policies and procedures to effectively communicate them to clients, will problem-solve as needed, and will maintain accounts and records to support reporting needs. Finally, this position will play an important role in the administration team of CEFS and will operate under the direction and supervision of the administrative lead of the organization.

Many of the initiatives of CEFS are public outward-facing initiatives, and this position will be expected to positively interact with outside partners.

To learn more about the job duties, minimum experience, preferred qualifications, and to apply, please visit the job posting.

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, political affiliation, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Please see the job posting for information about how to request disability-related accommodations during the application and interview process.

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CEFS Farm to Fork Picnic Coordinator and Events Assistant

Janie Hynson — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 20:06:32 +0000

Applicants must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application.

Position Description:

This position will spend around 20 hours a week coordinating the event planning of the CEFS Farm to Fork Picnic scheduled for June 2025. Held for more than fifteen years, the Farm to Fork Picnic has helped to drive the incredible growth of our local food movement. In leading the CEFS Farm to Fork Picnic, this position will work with top chefs and farmers supporting our local food movement.

This position can be expanded to full time work with another 20 hours as the CEFS Event Assistant, part of the CEFS Business and Events Team (CBET). The Event Assistant will participate in the logistics of other major CEFS events and business as needed. Facilitating more than 100 events annually across the state of North Carolina, CBET received a NC State Sustainability Award for their implementation of zero waste event planning practices.

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Work Schedule: 20-40 hours per week

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International Farming’s Generous $50K Donation Secures Expansion of ‘Boots on the Ground’ Agricultural Apprenticeship for Military Veterans in North Carolina

CEFS — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:26:36 +0000

Media Contact:
Angel Cruz
CEFS Academic and Extension Initiatives Manager
aecruz@ncsu.edu

July 8, 2024

Jon Black Photography

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is grateful to announce a $50,000 donation from International Farming (I.F.) to support CEFS’ Boots on the Ground: NC Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship.

I.F., a global food-sourcing solutions platform, selected Boots on the Ground as one of several new strategic initiatives and alliances to support their goal of cultivating a workforce that empowers employees and provides equal opportunities.

As North Carolina’s first registered agricultural apprenticeship program for military veterans, Boots on the Ground aims to increase the pool of trained agricultural workers for management and entrepreneurial positions in farming operations in North Carolina. Registered with ApprenticeshipNC, the state apprenticeship coordinating body, this apprenticeship includes both hands-on job training and related technical instruction. A registered apprenticeship allows veterans to use their GI Bill education benefits for on-the-job training. Dr. Angel Cruz, CEFS Academic and Extension Initiatives Manager, says “International Farming’s generous donation will support the continuance and expansion of the apprenticeship and provide additional training opportunities.”

According to I.F.’s Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer, Eli Cheatham, the organization decided to team up with Boots on the Ground, as part of the company’s commitment to cultivating a better tomorrow. “Each year approximately 200,000 Service members leave the military, yet far too many return to find a lack of support and opportunity. Veterans have so much to offer, and we are honored to support the important work that Boots on the Ground in doing to train them in farming and ranching.”

“CEFS is grateful for the opportunity to partner with International Farming to expand critical opportunities for military veterans in agriculture. One of our strategic goals of CEFS is to support more career paths in agriculture and our food system that can engage new and diverse people. Supporting military veterans in farming connects two important industries in our state,” said Dr. Michelle Schroeder-Moreno, CEFS’ Director based at North Carolina State University.

To learn more about Boots on the Ground, please visit the website, watch this video, or read this article about the program’s impact on veterans.

About Boots on the Ground

Boots on the Ground is an initiative of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. CEFS develops and promotes just and equitable food and farming systems that conserve natural resources, strengthen communities, improve health outcomes, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond. For more information, visit www.cefs.ncsu.edu. The Boots on the Ground program was started with funding from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, [Proposal no.2021-06693; Accession No. 1027267 Project No.NC09924].

About International Farming

International Farming (I.F.) is a leading food-sourcing solutions platform. Through innovative ag-tech, asset management, and strategic partnerships, I.F. empowers food buyers and farmers to build a more transparent, global food economy. With agricultural roots dating back to 1827, I.F. brings a deep understanding and respect for farming and the land to its investment strategy.

For more information, visit internationalfarming.com.