Final Report Grant No. 12-25-B-0862 Specialty Crops Block Grant Program

Abstract

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture received $121,848.28 from the Specialty Crops Block Grant Program. The block grant was used to support South Carolina specialty crops through promotion, marketing, merchandising and education. The Department partnered with the SC Department of Commerce to provide architecturally designed produce stands, built by the SC Department of Corrections, to certified SC producers. The SC Peach Council, SC Watermelon Board and the SC Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crops Association cooperated with the Department in a summer and fall fresh fruit and vegetable retail and food service promotion. The merchandising program insured that promotional materials were properly placed and promotional plans were properly carried out at retail grocery stores. The Department put its message forward at several key trade shows to showcase SC products. The Department partnered with Clemson University and the producers of “Making It Grow” on SC ETV to have key monthly features on specialty crops. The Department worked with SC Farm Bureau, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the SC Department of Education to produce and distribute information to schools and other outlets on healthy eating habits and the benefits of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.