Local Summer Sustainable Agriculture Internship Program

2011 Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS)
Summer Sustainable Agriculture Internship Program
Application due March 1

Overview
We are seeking highly-motivated undergraduate students from a variety of different backgrounds, with a strong interest in sustainable agriculture, to participate in a unique 8-week summer internship. CEFS summer interns will learn about the concepts and practices of various aspects of sustainable agriculture from expert faculty and staff at CEFS and through hands-on farm work, lectures and discussions, community engagement, and field trips to local farms and markets. Additionally, students will work in pairs with a CEFS faculty mentor to learn about an aspect of sustainable agriculture research.

Course Credit
With acceptance into the internship program, students will be registered for 6 credits through NC State University that are transferable back to their home institutions. Course tuition will be waived upon acceptance to the program.

Internship Structure and Schedule
The Summer Internship Program will run from June 6 – July 29, 2011 at the CEFS research farm in Goldsboro, NC. Interns are expected to be present and engaged in internship activities five days a week (Monday through Friday). The schedule is designed to offer students a wide variety of learning opportunities from multiple perspectives.

Farm Work Experience
Two mornings a week, interns will work alongside CEFS staff and apprentices on the Small Farm Unit, a 30-acre farm (15 acres are certified organic) that produces a diversity of small fruits and vegetables. Interns will assist in general farm duties including seeding, transplanting, weeding, and harvesting a variety of crops. Interns may also have the opportunity to work at other CEFS units as weather and scheduling permits.

Research Experience
Interns will work in pairs with a CEFS faculty mentor to participate in a research project that is carefully matched with their background and interests. Past research topics have included Cover Cropping, Integrated Pest Management, Livestock Nutrition, Creation of a Farmers Market, and Community Food Systems. Interns will work under their mentor’s supervision to collect and analyze data throughout the 8-week program. pon completion of the internship, each intern will present a paper and PowerPoint presentation on their research findings.

Lectures and Discussions
One day a week, visiting faculty from NC State University and NC Agricultural and Technical State University will present a lecture and discussion on various aspects of sustainable agriculture. Past topics have included Soil Science, Sustainable and Renewable Energy, Integrated Pest Management, Social Aspects of Sustainable Agriculture, Crop-Animal Systems, Plant Health and Organic Production. Following the morning lecture, faculty will lead an afternoon field activity related to lecture topics.

Community Engagement
The CEFS Summer Internship is unique in that it also addresses social aspects of sustainable agriculture. Interns will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the history and context of agriculture in the south through engagement with the local community in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The schedule includes weekly activities with gardeners, farmers, youth, civic organizations, and activists working to rebuild the local food system in Wayne County.

Housing and Cost
Housing is provided by CEFS and includes double occupancy rooms and communal kitchens. Work space with internet access is also provided. The cost for the 8-week program is $400 and includes housing, 6 hours of course credit through NCSU and transportation to all internship activities. A limited number of partial scholarships are available.

Background of CEFS
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) develops and promotes food and farming systems that protect the environment, strengthen local communities and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond. CEFS was established in 1994 by North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical 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.

For more information please see www.cefs.ncsu.edu

Program Application deadline: Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Notification of Acceptance: Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Applications available online at: http://www.cefs.ncsu.edu/getinvolved/internships.html
For more information, please contact:
Lisa Forehand, CEFS Extension & Outreach Coordinator
(919) 513-0954 or lisa_forehand@ncsu.edu