The Center for Environmental Farming Systems will host a week-long event on the importance of sustainable agriculture and locally grown foods. Based upon farming principles that make the most efficient use of non-renewable land resources, sustainable agriculture enhances the quality of life for farmers and surrounding communities.
CEFS is an organization striving to help citizens become aware that locally grown and sold food is better for the environment and for their pocket. The money spent on food in this state will help boost the economy and gives citizens the opportunity to become more engaged in what they are putting in their own bodies.
Mass produced agricultural products have an increased chance of becoming contaminated. By favoring sustainable agriculture, people are making the conscious choice to stand up for local farmers that will better protect their health.
“The idea of Sustainable Agriculture Week is celebrating local agriculture and what is produced on local farms,” John O’Sullivan, CEFS associate director of the N.C . A&T University, said.
According to O’Sullivan, students should become increasingly aware of the food system and its importance to our personal and environmental health. With the abundance of food choices available today, people often pile on the junk. The reality is that humans are facing some of the worst health issues ever seen in human history, many stemming from poor diets.
Nancy Creamer, associate director of CEFS , is a professor of sustainable agriculture and community based food systems at N.C . State. Creamer feels students should be aware of the growing job opportunities created through sustainable agriculture.
According to Creamer, jobs are emerging from new farm enterprises, local marketing, non-profits programs, universities and cooperative extensions.
“There is a multiplier effect when we support local agriculture and the money circulates in our local economies, and job creation is a direct benefit,” Creamer said.
Students with a growing interest in sustainable agriculture may choose to minor in Agroecology or become a volunteer with CEFS and its programs. Graduate students from the University have formed a student group that focuses on sustainable agriculture and undergraduate students are encouraged to create their own organizations.
A simple way for people to become involved in the CEFS mission is by making a commitment to spend 10 percent of their existing food dollars to support North Carolina food producers, businesses and communities. According to Creamer and O’Sullivan, with each person doing their part to make a commitment, great changes will occur to the economy by helping to create jobs in a time of economic downturn.
O’Sullivan said he recommends people should stop by their local Whole Foods Market, a grocery that continues to support local farmers by featuring regionally grown and produced foods.
As a part of Sustainable Agriculture Week, students will have the opportunity to view a controversial documentary, Ingredients, Sept. 14 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m . in Witherspoon Student Center. Filmgoers may participate in a panel discussion and registration is free.
The film’s highlights include learning more about sustainable agriculture, the importance of seasonal eating, the problems with importing crops and related topics. Ingredients uncovers the detriment of a society that faces malnutrition and how people have lost sight of the origins of their food.
Creamer and O’Sullivan said they encourage people to come out to the events, or to at least consider making local consumption a conscious habit for healthier lifestyle.
