Mushrooms can be a powerful way to diversify farm revenue—but success depends on choosing a model that aligns with your farm’s scale, infrastructure, and market realities. This hands-on workshop focuses on the business and operational considerations of adding mushrooms to an existing farm. We’ll explore scalable production models, space and infrastructure requirements, startup and operating [...]
Boost Your Farm's Bottom Line: Diversify for New Revenue Streams! Is your farm relying on a single source of income? In today's dynamic agricultural landscape, diversification is key to resilience and growth. Join us and the folks at Stonewall Bakery/Fields of Happiness in Swannanoa for an insightful seminar and tour designed to help you unlock [...]
Navigating Your Food Business: A Success Series in 2026 Series Introduction Webinar March 24, 6-7:30pm, Zoom This session is your direct roadmap to the resources available in North Carolina and future education opportunities in this series. Insights on Process Authority and laboratory services Introduction to food regulation in North Carolina Who is available to help [...]
Twilight Farms Tours Join EMFS, and the Haywood Community College Small Business Center as we meet two Haywood farmers with Unique Market and Production Practices. Please note that farm tours are open only to owners of currently operating farms. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mighty Gnome Market Garden This farm plans its CSA from [...]
CEFS has received a $145,200 Dogwood Health Trust grant to expand Farm-to-Senior Services in Western North Carolina, improving local food access for older adults. The two-year project will strengthen community-based food systems and pilot local food purchasing efforts in McDowell, Burke, and Yancey counties, as well as the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
New DATE! April 30th! Free one-day event! Get ready to roll into the world of food trucks and learn the secrets of success at Road Ready: Food Truck Fundamentals! Ready to put your food truck dreams in gear? On April 30th you’ll have the opportunity to meet with the experts who can help you get [...]
CEFS' Supply Chain Internship supports local food hubs in increasing their capacity to connect farmers with institutional markets. The Farm to Senior Services (F2SS) program is based in three pilot counties across North Carolina and aims to increase local food procurement in county-based senior food services. During summer 2021, three supply chain interns were based at different food hubs where they improved their professional skills while moving the goals of the pilot program forward.
We know that caregivers want to offer more fresh vegetables and fruits when it is feasible. We also know how challenging it can be to calculate how many pounds of vegetables or fruits to purchase for children in day care settings. It can also be difficult to know how much to serve participants of different age groups.
The Farm to Senior Services project will create and connect three county-based teams including Extension agents, food councils, farmers, intermediary food businesses (e.g. food hubs or aggregators), and senior meal service institutional buyers. The project team aims to improve institutional procurement policy, address procurement challenges of county-based institutions, provide resources and technical assistance for farmers, and support increased availability of local foods for older adults in North Carolina.
The Small Farm Unit at the NCDA&CS Cherry Research Farm is collaborating with East Carolina University (ECU) to establish a vegetable-based clinic program in collaboration with Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro, NC.
