The local food movement, propelled by rising food prices and growing concerns over food safety, has led to the creation of new farmers markets all over North Carolina. More consumers want fresh, healthy food. And growers are eager to meet the demand. In the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, our researchers are working to determine which crops grow best in North Carolina and how to maximize the nutritional value of those crops. Our Cooperative Extension personnel deliver that research to the public through educational programs that target adults and youth alike. In fact, Extension has played a vital role in the establishment of most farmers' markets in the state. The College also has ties to a number of organizations, such as the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, that support a sustainable local food economy in North Carolina. Read on to learn more about how the College is making a difference.