N.C. Moves Forward to Champion Local Food Economy

Inaugural Meeting of the N.C. SLFAC Scheduled for Feb. 2

The North Carolina Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council will meet for the first time Tuesday, Feb. 2 at the State Fairgrounds. The council will meet from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Martin Building. The public is strongly encouraged to attend.

The advisory council was created by the N.C. General Assembly in August 2009 to study, develop and promote policies that will create jobs, support communities, preserve the natural environment, increase access to fresh and nutritious foods, and provide greater food security for all North Carolinians. The 27-person council includes appointees by Gov. Bev Perdue, President Po Tempore Marc Basnight, Speaker Joe Hackney and Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

“The council is purposely diverse,” said Dr. Nancy Creamer, director of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) and a council appointee. “By ensuring that the many organizations and individuals are at the same table, the council’s ability to effectively engage policy-makers and community leaders across the state to support a local sustainable food economy in North Carolina is that much greater.”

“Hundreds of individuals and organizations have worked to establish and support local food economies,” said Rep. Ray Rapp. “Tuesday’s meeting will begin to lay out the state’s vision and role to support existing efforts, of which there are many, and to encourage new endeavors and ideas.” Rep. Rapp and Sen. Charlie Albertson championed the legislation in the General Assembly.

The creation of the council is one result of the ongoing CEFS “Farm to Fork” statewide initiative to develop a Statewide Action Plan to build a sustainable local food economy. The Action Plan is expected to be released in March 2010. For a complete listing of council appointees, visit the CEFS Web site.

CEFS develops and promotes a farm-to-fork approach to agriculture and food choices that protects the environment, strengthens local communities, and provides economic opportunities through research, education, outreach and marketing innovations.

CEFS was established in 1994 by North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For more information, visit www.cefs.ncsu.edu.