In the AgTech360 podcast series hosted by the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative’s Adrian Percy, leading experts from government, industry and academia map out the future of digital farming and how researchers are using AI to make sense of complex agricultural and environmental systems and improve predictions. In this episode, CEFS-affiliated faculty member Debjani Sihi explores how AI is helping scientists make sense of complex agricultural and environmental systems, uncover patterns in vast datasets and improve predictions.

At CEFS, our Farm to Institution work spans Farm to Early Care and Education, Farm to School and Farm to Senior Services. By connecting local food procurement to institutional dining, we help deliver nutritious food to North Carolina's vulnerable communities and support rural economies across the state. CEFS-affiliated faculty and other members of farm to institution networks from across the country are working together to brainstorm solutions.

In 2025-2026, the North Carolina (NC) Farm to Preschool Network conducted an assessment to determine the most effective design of a local food purchasing incentive (LFPI) program to support Farm to Early Care & Education (ECE) across the state.

From row crops to hoop houses to a food forest, the NC State Agroecology Education Farm offers students and visitors the chance to cultivate their interest in farming. Learn how the farm and the agroecology and sustainable food systems major are sowing agricultural connections.

From groundbreaking research at Cherry Research Farm to hands-on education, community partnerships and support for local farmers, our 2025 Impact Report highlights CEFS’ impacts in research, extension, education and community engagement. Read the report to learn about how we are advancing sustainable agriculture, resilient communities and local food systems across North Carolina.

Explore an inventory of publications from CEFS and NC State Extension to learn about organic production and farming, including guides on soil health, composting, cover crops, weed and pest management, crop rotation and organic grain production.

Join us for an inspiring, interactive hour with Sara Davarbakhsh, M.S., NCEE, Environmental Education Program Coordinator, for the winter installment of our FREE Grounded Table webinar series. Now is the perfect time to master the art of composting, close the loop on household waste and prepare your soil for a thriving spring harvest. 

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Currituck County presents the Eastern NC Niche Ag Conference on November 14 at the University of Mount Olive - Student Farm. NC Choices and other CEFS partners will be participating. This conference is for farmers interested in exploring new enterprises, making connections, improving operational efficiency and increasing profits. Classes topics will include specialty crop production, permaculture crops, integrated pest management of crops and livestock, value-added agriculture, herbs and cut flowers and a full day poultry processing workshop.

Join NC Choices and N.C. Cooperative Extension for Carcass to Canning, a comprehensive meat processing workshop covering field dressing, carcass breakdown and meat preservation. Whether you're a hunter looking to process your own harvest or a home cook interested in buying meat in bulk and canning it, you'll learn practical skills for preparing and preserving meat. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been integrated and applied broadly in farming and supply chain operations. People have debated about AI and its potential benefits or challenges to producers. This session will provide examples of how AI could reduce risks for producers and other consequences (or challenges) that need more attention for producers to make proper decisions.

Empowering Mountain Food Systems and A-B Tech Community College’s Small Business Center, in partnership with Dogwood Health Trust, are lining up a rich collaboration to immerse attendees in the financial, regulatory and culinary aspects of mobile food business entrepreneurship.

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems and partners are hosting a series regarding food business resources and training opportunities available in North Carolina. All events are hosted for free for NC companies and entrepreneurs. Join us to hear from business and food safety experts on how to establish and grow your food business in NC!