NCSU Agroecology Education Farm

The Agroecology Education Farm at North Carolina State University is a living classroom where students and the community engage in hands-on learning about sustainable agriculture. Established in 2005 by Drs. Michelle Schroeder-Moreno, David Orr, and Mike Linker, the farm was envisioned as a space to demonstrate agroecological principles near campus. Located at the Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory and adjacent to the Historic Yates Mill Park, the farm has grown with strong institutional support from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS). Partnerships with NC State Dining and community organizations have expanded its educational reach and helped integrate local food production into university dining services.

The farm showcases a resilient and sustainable agricultural system rooted in ecological principles. It operates without synthetic fertilizers, relying instead on cover crops and organic matter to nourish the soil. Seasonal production is extended through passive solar greenhouses and hoop houses that reduce fossil fuel use, while also serving as models for climate adaptation. Through practices like intercropping, crop rotation, and water conservation via drip irrigation, the farm demonstrates how biodiversity and natural resource stewardship can strengthen food systems. Visitors can also observe habitat-enhancing features such as native plant buffers and flower-rich garden edges that support pollinators and beneficial wildlife.

Beyond food production, the Agroecology Education Farm plays a key role in NC State’s educational mission. It supports the Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems major and minor—interdisciplinary programs that equip students with the skills and experience needed to address complex food system challenges. With its integration of field-based learning, research, and community engagement, the farm serves as both a teaching platform and a catalyst for transformative change in agriculture. Through coursework, internships, and volunteer opportunities, students are prepared to lead in creating more just, sustainable, and resilient food systems.

Find out more
https://cefs.ncsu.edu/academics-and-education/nc-state-agroecology-education-farm-and-program/

In 2007, the Agroecology Education Farm Advisory Committee was formed representing students and faculty from Crop Science, Soil Science, Horticulture, Entomology and the Director of the Historic Yates Mill Park. This initial group developed the mission and laid the groundwork for the sustainable agriculture components that the farm should demonstrate. The first design plan was developed by Luke McMullen, a senior Horticulture Landscape undergraduate student in 2009 and was updated by Stephen Ratasky, Michelle’s graduate student in 2012. The design is flexible as the farm education and production needs grow and evolve.

aOur dream is to grow the Agroecology Education Farm into a leading model of regenerative agriculture 🌿—a vibrant space where students, educators, and the community co-create solutions for climate resilience, food justice, and ecological harmony 🌎🌱. We envision expanding our impact through deeper community partnerships, increased food production for campus and local needs, and enhanced educational programs that empower future leaders to build just and sustainable food systems for all 🍅👩‍🌾📚.