CEFS End-of-Year Letter 2023
In 1994, a small circle of leaders in sustainable agriculture came together with a shared vision: to create a center for the study of environmentally sustainable farming practices. What began as a vision nearly 30 years ago has grown into a movement that is shaping agriculture and food systems across North Carolina and the country.
Today, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), a partnership of North Carolina State University (NC State), North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T), and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, is one of the nation’s most important centers for research, extension, and education in sustainable agriculture and community-based food systems. While only a few of our many initiatives are featured in this letter, your support helps to make all of our programs possible. A gift to CEFS is an investment in the future of sustainable agriculture and local food systems.
CEFS’ Field Research and Outreach Facility based at the 2,000-acre Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro, NC is “home base” for our sustainable agriculture research and demonstration projects. Our farming systems, pasture-based dairy and beef, agroforestry, organic, and small farm research units provide unique research and demonstration sites for faculty, farmers, extension agents, students, and other concerned community members.
We are committed to fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations, providing opportunities for seasoned and emerging leaders in climate and sustainable agriculture research, and supplying producers with data-driven solutions. For example, the Farming Systems Research Unit houses a long-term, large-scale interdisciplinary study of five different systems, providing a unique facility to compare different agricultural solutions for mitigating climate change and to examine soil biological consequences over time.
Your support makes critical sustainable agriculture and climate change research and learning opportunities like these possible.
Many CEFS initiatives thrive on bringing together dedicated farm and food system leaders. For example, last spring, hundreds of public service and nonprofit leaders, local food council members, and other community food advocates participated in Forging our Food Future, a gathering hosted by Community Food Strategies. A participant described it as “one of, if not the most, impactful conferences I have ever attended…I truly felt at home amongst people who spoke their truths and work every day towards not only a more equitable and just food system, but in every walk of life.”
Your support helps us to facilitate inspiring and uplifting gatherings that encourage networking, community-building, and shared learning among food and ag leaders.
While CEFS is experienced in bringing together the best and the brightest in food and agriculture, we are equally invested in providing research, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for aspiring and diverse food and ag leaders. We offer short-term internships for current or recently-graduated students as well as apprenticeships for community members and military veterans.
Support from generous donors like you allows us to continue to expand these opportunities, while equipping hundreds of participants with skills to contribute to vibrant farms, resilient ecosystems, strong communities, healthy people, and thriving local economies.
Your support helps us to continue to create spaces and opportunities for current and future food and agricultural leaders and CEFS programs from NC State and N.C. A&T. Please consider making an annual gift in support of CEFS. Make your gift online here.
With warm wishes for a healthy and happy holiday season,
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| Jennifer Zuckerman Chair, CEFS Board of Advisors |
Dr. Michelle Shroeder-Moreno NC State University Co-Director, CEFS |
Dr. Chyi Lyi (Kathleen) Liang N.C. A&T State University Co-Director, CEFS |
Funds raised in support of the Friends of CEFS Fund are collected and managed by The North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization (Tax ID# 56-6049304). You will receive an official receipt for your donation.