Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. Many organizations in South Carolina are concerned about our aging population of farmers. Charleston-based Lowcountry Local First is dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs in business and farming. They describe their organization as a way of life that celebrates and supports the local, independent businesses and farmers who reflect the unique character, flavor, and culture of that special part of South Carolina.
Through their Growing New Farmers Program they offer six months of field and classroom training in sustainable agricultural production and have an optional apprenticeship program placing participants with proven, successful farmers, perhaps forming liaisons that will lead to partnerships. For the first time in 2017, they are partnering with Clemson’s Agribusiness program to provide intensive business planning training. Farm planning, financing and marketing are as important to developing a sustainable, economically viable farming as raising a quality crop is.
