Two York County Farmers Graduate 2022 SC New and Beginning Farmer Program, Class of 2023 application period open until February 20, 2023

February 13, 2023

Two York County new farmers, Miranda Taylor of Fort Mill and Amanda Taylor of York, successfully graduated from the Class of 2022 South Carolina New and Beginning Farmer Program (SCNBFP). This annual statewide Clemson Extension Agribusiness led program equips aspiring farmers with the tools and networks needed to develop and launch their farm businesses. The program, launched in 2011, has more than 450 alumni from across the state of South Carolina.

Registration for the 2023 cohort program is now open to 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. As many as 50 applicants will be accepted for the 2023 cohort program. Additional information, including program outline, workshop schedule, fee structure and an online application can be found at www.scnewfarmer.org. The deadline to apply is February 20, 2023.

In addition to core cohort programming, 10 advanced new farmer workshops will be developed and delivered by Clemson Extension staff throughout the state. These workshops will offer important opportunities for peer and resource networking, as well as provide additional instruction on advanced agribusiness and production topics. All advanced workshops will run from September through November 2023 and are open to members of the cohort program as well as the public. A calendar of advanced programming workshops is posted on the SCNBFP website. 

“One in four South Carolina producers are considered new and beginning farmers with less than 10 years of experience,” says SCNBFP Director and Clemson Extension Agribusiness Agent Ben Boyles. “These emerging farmers need targeted training and technical assistance to make sure they have the skills necessary to sustain and grow their new farm businesses. Our program helps participants accelerate the development of their farm business so they can accomplish their goals faster while helping to improve access to healthy, locally produced food for South Carolina consumers.”