CEFS - Center for Environmental Farming Systems

History

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (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 to serve as a center dedicated to sustainable agriculture research, extension, and education. CEFS was the result of several years of work by a task force of university faculty and administrators, state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, farmers, and citizens charged with developing a strategy to build a strong sustainable agriculture program in North Carolina. Located at the Cherry Research Farm near Goldsboro, CEFS began its sustainable agriculture programming in 1996. Today, CEFS is one of the nation’s largest centers for the study of environmentally sustainable farming practices.

Mission and objectives

The mission of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems is to develop and promote agricultural systems that protect the environment, enhance rural and urban communities, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond.

Through high-quality interdisciplinary research, teaching, and extension programs to the agricultural community and general public, CEFS aims to:
• Advance the transition to a more economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially responsible agriculture
• Provide practitioners with tools to insure long-term stewardship of our natural resource base
• Serve as a research base of knowledge and training for growers interested in farm diversification to improve farm viability
• Educate current and future generations of farmers, scientists, consumers, and civic leaders