News Feed
CEFS news, announcements, press releases and media coverage.
Mountain Communities Rise: EmPOWERing Food Systems After Hurricane Helene
In response to the devastation of the WNC region, EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), an initiative of CEFS, awarded $100,000 of its small business grant funds to assist farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene.
CEFS Shines at the 2025 N.C. Cooperative Extension Conference
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.
International Farming’s Generous $50K Donation Secures Expansion of ‘Boots on the Ground’ Agricultural Apprenticeship for Military Veterans in North Carolina
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.
Hundreds Expected at National Conference Showcasing North Carolina’s Leadership in Sustainable Meat and Dairy; An Impressive Roster of Speakers Including Dr. Temple Grandin
July 3, 2024 Contact: Janie Hynson Communications Manager Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) [email protected] 919-213-1390 Photos and other assets: Media Kit NC State University and Appalachian State University, two institutions on the vanguard of [...]
CEFS EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems Program Expanding Impact in Western NC with $2M from State, Federal, and Western NC Regional Funders
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is thrilled to announce the continuation of its groundbreaking project, EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), with a generous grant of $1.1M from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) as well as additional matching support from Dogwood Health Trust, WNC Bridge Foundation, NC State Cooperative Extension, and other regional community partners, for a total of $2 million.
Extension to Grow School Gardens through the Launch of New Online Course
Bringing together the best of NC Cooperative Extension’s areas of expertise: agriculture, food, and youth development, the Farm to School team is developing a new series of online courses that build North Carolina’s capacity to deliver programming in school gardens, local food procurement, and nutrition education.
USDA Grant Will Support Career Opportunities in Agricultural Sciences for N.C. Women and Minorities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded North Carolina State University a $200,000 grant to increase leadership and career opportunities in agricultural sciences for women and minority students enrolled in community colleges statewide.
CEFS EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems Program Expanding Impact in Western NC with New $1,186,409 ARC Grant
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is thrilled to announce the continuation of its groundbreaking project, EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), with a generous grant of $1,186,409 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and significant match from Dogwood Health Trust and WNC Bridge Foundation community partners as well as NC State Cooperative Extension.
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems Announces Recipients of 2023-2024 NC State Graduate Student Fellowships
We are pleased to announce the recipients of our 2023-2024 North Carolina State University Graduate Student Fellowships. Read about the Fellows and their research.
NC Farm to Early Care and Education Institute Returns with Generous Support from PNC Bank
Following the success of the inaugural Farm to ECE Institute and thanks to the continued support of PNC Bank, the NC Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Initiative will host its second Farm to ECE Institute for Farm to ECE administrators and teachers, technical assistance providers, farmers and Extension agents. The Institute will take place Oct. 21, 2023, at the Rocky Mount Event Center.