SC Black Farmers Conference 2023: Tending to the Roots for the Next Generation

The SC Black Farmers Conference is designed to bring important information, technical assistance, farming skills workshops, on-site tours and other networking resources to new and established Black farmers across the state in order to build the capacity of their farms to be more profitable and sustainable across generations. 

This year’s conference will connect participants with subject matter experts from across the state and beyond for essential training to help socially disadvantaged farmers engage in more substantive and lucrative roles in the local food system and value chain coordination, now and generations from now. In addition to learning about key aspects of the newly announced Climate Smart and Local Food Purchase Agreement programs, Conference participants will hear from regional subject matter experts in farm business and marketing, risk management and farm planning, succession planting and high tunnel maintenance. Guest panelists from the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education, SC Department of Agriculture, and USDA Farm Service Agency have been invited to present hands on workshops related to federal, state and local resources available to farmers. Participants will also have the option of attending some workshops on site in partnership with local farmers on St. Helena Island. A variety of value added products by and for SCBFC members will be available during the Farmer’s Market & Seed Swap, and conference attendees will also enjoy a taste of authentic Lowcountry fare throughout the conference, and a Saturday evening closing awards reception.