Center for Environmental Farming Systems

North Carolina State University and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University established the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at the Cherry Farm facility near Goldsboro, N.C., in 1994.

These partners work closely with state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations (for example, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, Rural Advancement Foundation International, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation), farmers, and citizens to provide agricultural research, extension, and education for our state.

The development of CEFS is a national model for partnership, innovation and interdisciplinary cooperation.

CEFS is dedicated to sustainable agriculture research, extension and education. Our goals are to

• provide new economic opportunities in rural and urban communities,
• develop technologies that promote a cleaner and healthier environment,
• educate the next generation of farmers, consumers, and scientists, and
• engage all citizens in the food system.

Our mission is to develop and promote food and farming systems that

• protect the environment,
• strengthen local communities, and
• provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond.