EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) is part of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) launched in 2019 to focus on expanded opportunities & capacity for food and farm businesses across the Western NC region. They work with 12 mountain counties from Cleveland to Swain (map below).

1. Be a part of the Supply Chain Assessment
   1. Are you a stakeholder in a food hub, commercial kitchen, commissary, farmers market, or meat processor? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
   2. The results from this study will help us to offer educational programs that matter most to you
2. Attend a workshop
   1. From adding agritourism to succession planning, we’re covering all the business topics you need to know more about. Check out the EMFS Events page to learn more and register

Introducing our new Area Specialized Agent (ASA) Agribusiness: Jennifer Badger. Jennifer is from Brevard, NC and graduated from NC State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business Management. Prior to working in Extension she held positions at The Fresh Market and Food Lion working as a buyer for Local Foods. She is excited to return home to WNC and support her neighbors by providing 1:1 business coaching and workshops to increase agricultural income across the region. (Photo below)

Meet us at the Buncombe County Ag Breakfast on Friday October 25th where we’ll be talking live and in-person about our renewed focus for 2024 and beyond.