January Monthly Update

Empowering Food Systems After Hurricane Helene


In response to the heartbreaking devastation of our region we awarded $100,000 of small business grant funds to assist farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. This award cycle was launched earlier than planned due to the Hurricane and will provide crucial support to local farms struggling to recover from the catastrophic storm. This funding is part of a larger pool of funds (over 400k) planned for regional supply chain support over the next three years.


So far, the EMFS Hurricane Helene Recovery Grant has distributed 35 award letters to farmers from 10 different WNC counties. This grant serves as a beacon of hope for the affected communities, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, collaboration can lead to remarkable recovery and a brighter future for all.


We are still in the process of distributing awards with another round of funding. Stay tuned!


Pictured, left:

On Thursday, January 9 in collaboration with Country Farm and Home of Pittsboro, NC, AgCare of Candler, and the facilities team at the NC State Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, we distributed $6,234.39 worth of supplies to four Buncombe County farmers as a part of our Helene Supplies Grant. This partnership provided farmers with high-quality equipment, while the station staff generously lent their expertise and manpower to assist with the loading and transportation of heavy equipment such as wooden posts, metal fencing, barbed wire, and more to help get these farms back up and running ahead of the spring season.


Celebrating Jess Mrugala and Chumper Walker


Chumper Walker, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Extension Director, and Jessica Mrugala, Extension Associate and Local Foods Coordinator for Empowering Mountain Food Systems, were recognized during the NC Cooperative Extension State Conference in Greensboro on January 7th. They were awarded for their exceptional leadership with two Regional Team Awards - the Jones Award and the NCCE Foundation Search for Excellence Awards in Extension. Walker and Mrugala have been instrumental in advancing food sovereignty efforts for the EBCI.


Their work has brought over $11 million in federal and regional funding, supporting community-driven food production, nutrition education, and the creation of vital infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art meat processing facility. Their efforts, especially in fostering food sovereignty and sustainable farming practices, have helped to transform the food landscape in Cherokee communities. Their leadership has been foundational in increasing the local production of traditional Cherokee foods, preserving foodways, and empowering community food systems.

Job Opportunities

In search of a new job or internship?

Check out the local opportunities below.


NCDA Summer Intern- ten week paid internship program session begins May 12th and ends July 18th.


Bounty and Soul Produce to the People™ Manager, priority deadline January 24 2025


CEFS Aspire Intern, ten week individualized summer research and extension experience,due 2/3/25


CEFS Apprenticeships, rolling applications for multiple positions across NC


Warren Wilson Ast. Professor of Sustainable Ag


New Year, New Events

Was one of your resolutions to learn more this year?

We've got a full calendar of FREE educational workshops for you!

Check 'em out below:

Hurricane Helene Tax Considerations for Farm Business Owners (Online)


Newly appointed NC State Assistant Extension Professor Nick Brown will be streaming in to answer your questions about taxes, Hurricane Helene, and what it means for your farm operation.


Some questions we'll answer:

-How are taxes affected by money received from FEMA, crop insurance (including NAP), and other disaster relief programs?

-What are the new, extended deadlines for filing?


When: Mon 2/17 6 PM - 7:30 PM

Where: Online

Register here

Join EMFS Project Director Laura Lauffer for a full day exploring agritourism and ways to boost farm income while educating the public about local food. The event will cover liability concerns with NC State Professor & Attorney Andrew Brannan, case studies of two local farms, farm stay options, and more.



Click here to register

Join us at our Haywood Agribusiness Series happening throughout the month of February


Learn more and register here!

Time is running out!

Register today for Food Truck Boot Camp

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CEFS is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.