South Carolina Farmers getting their feet wet in agribusiness have access to comprehensive entrepreneurial education and business training through a public service program offered by Clemson University – the SC New & Beginning Farmer Program. The South Carolina New and Beginning Farmer Program (SCNBFP) is a public education program focused on enabling new and beginning farmers to be successful, productive, and innovative members of their local agricultural community by providing them with the tools, knowledge and skills necessary to be successful entrepreneurs, sound business managers, exemplary stewards of the natural environment, and successful marketers of the unique products they create. Most importantly, the SCNBFP seeks to develop individuals who have a sense of pride and enjoy a quality of life as a result of their investment and participation in the industry of South Carolina agriculture. The SCNBFP is managed by Clemson University Cooperative Extension, department of Agribusiness, under the direction of Dr. R. David Lamie. The SCNBFP is entering its sixth year and has guided more than 300 emerging farmers through the program. The SC New & Beginning Farmer Program offers two levels of instruction: Level I, Exploring Farming as a Business for emerging farmers with less than three years’ experience, and Level II, Taking Your Farm Business to the Next Level for those who have been farming 3-9 years. Workshop series focus on farm business management, with level appropriate topics that include business concept/plan development; financial and risk management; legal & regulatory issues; marketing strategies; personal assessment; and an introduction to federal, state, and local agriculture resources. Agribusiness programming is complemented by regional workshops held throughout the state. These workshops offer important opportunities for local peer and resource networking, as well as provide additional instruction on production topics tailored for each region. Guided farm tours, access to on-farm internships, and participation in the SC New & Beginning Farmer Program Alumni Association are also featured program elements. Any legal resident of South Carolina, at least 18 years of age, who is just beginning to farm or who has actively farmed for less than 10 consecutive years is eligible to apply for the SCNBFP. Additional information, including program details, workshop schedule, fee structure, scholarship opportunities, and an online application can be found at www.scnewfarmer.org. Both Level I and Level II programming begin in October of each year; applications open the prior June.

Good Food Org Guide

Presented By Food Tank & The James Beard Foundation

The South Carolina New and Beginning Farmer Program

The South Carolina New and Beginning Farmer Program

Login