As a followup to our 2019 Center for Education & Agricultural Development (CEAD) Project Plan, Community Food Lab provided operational plans and concept designs for the CEAD Farm and Food Hub elements of the CEAD Campus. Through strategic engagement, analysis, and planning, we developed actionable, thoughtful plans and designs and were pivotal in securing multi-million-dollar grant funds to prepare the CEAD project to move to the next stage of development in Fall 2020.
The Center for Education & Agricultural Development (CEAD) will be home to:
• Piedmont Community College’s Agribusiness Technology Program;
• a new food hub space to be home to a local farmers collective and an expanding regional food hub;
• an incubator and demonstration farm to grow new farm entrepreneurs and new markets for existing farmers;
• food retail to help build new markets and visibility for Caswell’s local food products.
Through CEAD, Piedmont Community College (PCC) and Caswell County have reimagined and reframed the agricultural, agribusiness, and food system opportunities in Caswell County and the region. Behind this landmark project is a commitment to building local food futures by celebrating Caswell’s agricultural past, lifting up those who are opening new doors in food and farming, and providing practical educational and economic opportunities close to home.
The intersecting elements of CEAD will work together to grow multiple segments of the regional food system simultaneously, gradually rising an agricultural and economic tide for all. The intersecting elements are also designed to constantly rub together to create strong networks, energetic relationships, and a community of learning to support resilient and adaptable food systems ready to navigate uncertainties of the future.
