Lowcountry Local First is now accepting applications for the 2017 Growing New Farmers Program. This six-month month program, conducted in partnership with the College of Charleston’s School of Professional Studies and Middleton Place, is designed to prepare the next generation of farmers and innovators in the food system.
The Growing New Farmers Program gives participants hands-on training in a USDA-Certified Organic Farm, alongside classroom-based education and an optional apprenticeship. This is an introductory program that focuses not only on the hard skills of farm production, but also on the crucial business knowledge needed to make a small to mid-sized farming venture work.
Qualified applicants with a breadth of interests in agriculture are encouraged to apply. Applications are now available and will be accepted until March 17, 2017.
The program consists of a minimum of 250 training hours, or 500 with the apprenticeship program, giving participants the opportunity to gain the variety of skills needed for a successful career in the food system. Participants will receive a Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture from the College of Charleston’s School of Professional Studies.
This year, participants will also have the opportunity to take part in an additional eight-week business planning course. This course will be made available through a separate application during September and October, and it will be offered through the Clemson Extension in conjunction with South Carolina Community Loan Fund’s Feeding Innovation Program.
For more information on the Growing New Farmers Program, contact Brian Wheat at brian@lowcountrylocalfirst.org.
