Expose the ‘Roots’ of Local Food Production

You must hold or plan to receive a master’s degree or higher before June 2014 in order to be considered for this project.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand from consumers for locally grown food products. This demand is being met by farmers and producers that are committed to using local resources in their food production in an effort to shrink the transition from field to plate. This increasing demand for local foods has had a substantial impact on the state economy as well as local economic development efforts.

Through this fellowship, you will have an opportunity to explore how the Robeson County office of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service is supporting the sustainability and economic impact of the local foods movement. You will spend your externship with several agents who are working to support this effort in a variety of ways. Collaborating with the 4-H Agent, you will also help to plan and implement educational opportunities for local youth to explore this important and economically significant topic. Your experience and insight on this topic will position you as a resource and leader to your students and colleagues, both locally and state-wide. You will share that experience via a dynamic and engaging curriculum that reflects the insights gained in your externship.

In addition to the development of a new and innovative curriculum and working with your mentor, you will also work with a local Institution of Higher Education and/or your local school system to plan and implement workshops and trainings for either pre-service and/or beginning teachers. This will allow you to share your resources and experience with those preparing to enter the profession. This additional commitment will most likely occur after your externship has culminated. Because of the unique requirements of this grant-funded project, you will receive a total stipend of $10,000.