NC Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council Meeting Feb. 2

The North Carolina Sustainable Local Food Council will meet for the first time Tuesday, Feb. 2 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC. The council will meet from 2-4 pm in the Martin Building. The public is strongly encouraged to attend.

The advisory council was created by the NC General Assembly in August 2009 to study, develop and promote policies that will create jobs, support communities, preserve the natural environment, increase access to fresh and nutritious foods, and provide greater food security for all North Carolinians. The 27-person council includes appointees by Governor Bev Purdue, President Po Tempore Marc Basnight, Speaker Joe Hackney and Agricultural Commissioner Steve Troxler.

"The council is purposely diverse," said Dr. Nancy Creamer, executive director of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) and a council appointee. "By ensuring that the many organizations and individuals are at the same table, the council;s ability to effectively engage policy-makers and community leaders across the state to support a local sustainble food economy in North Carolina is much greater."

"Hundreds of individulas and organization have worked to establish and support local food economies," said Representative Ray Rapp. "Tuesday's meeting will begin to lay out the state's vision and role to support existing efforts, of which there are many, and to encourage new endeavors and ideas." Rep. Rapp and Senator Charlie Albertson championed the legislation in the General Assembly.

The creation of the council is one result of the ongoing CEFS "Farm to Fork" statewide initiative to develop a Statewide Action Plan to build a sustainable local food economy. The Action Plan is expected to be released in March 2010. For a complete listing of council appointees, visit the CEFS website NC Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council page.

CEFS develops and promotes a farm-to-fork approach to agriculture and food choices that protects the environment, strengthens local communities, and provides economic opportunities through research, education, outreach and marketing innovations.