RALEIGH, N.C. — Registration is now open for the Overview of Local Food Systems Certificate Series. In this three-part certificate course series participants learn about the structure and components of local food systems and how to leverage assets and resources at every stage of the supply chain to make food systems change in your community.

This series is designed for working professionals who are just getting started in local foods or for those who want to gain a broader or more complete perspective. Various engaging activities are utilized in the three courses which cover Foundations in Local Food System Development, Farm to Fork: Foundations in Local Food Supply & Value Chains, and The Bottom Line: Economic Realities & Other Considerations of Local Food Systems. Courses are “asynchronous” self-paced, online courses but highly encouraged optional synchronous sessions are offered once a month. Dates for these can be found at the link above

Many professionals have enjoyed this series and you may find yourself in a similar mindset as this participant testimonial: “When I enrolled I thought I knew a lot about food systems, but this course helped fill in the holes in that knowledge to form a full systems perspective. The classwork was rewarding and enjoyable because it was so applicable to my work, well organized and thought-provoking. I still refer to my notes and readings from the course often!”

Registration is open now until August 15 at the links above. Participants will have three months (from August 15 to November 15) to complete the course at their own pace.

Click here for more information on how to register!

–N.C. State Extension