Building the Next Generation of Local Food and Agricultural Leaders: Native American Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Apprenticeship

To build the next generation of local food and agricultural leaders in Robeson County, NC the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) awarded $200,587 to the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) to provide economic opportunities and career mobility for Lumbee youth while also building capacity in the local agricultural community.

With this funding, CEFS has partnered with Robeson Community College (RCC) and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) to launch the Native American Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Apprenticeship. This program will connect Lumbee producers, agricultural businesses, and food system nonprofits with Lumbee youth in a year-long paid mentorship program.

Read the recent spotlight from the NCWorks Commission as part of their Spotlight on Local Workforce Innovations series showcasing local innovations in collaborative, employer-led workforce development partnerships across the state.

Learn more about the apprenticeship.