Growing New Farmers Incubator Pilot

Lowcountry Local First is currently accepting applications

for 3 apprentices in Charleston, SC.

(April – Nov 2010)

Mission Statement

Lowcountry Local First (LLF) advocates the benefits of a local living

economy by strengthening community support for independent, locallyowned

businesses and farmers.

Goal: to begin growing the next generation of farmers in the Lowcountry.

These new community food system leaders and entrepreneurs will use this

experience to: improve the health of our community, preserve and

steward our land, and strengthen our local food economy.

The Partners - LLF, three local experienced farmers, three apprentices,

seven area restaurants, and one non-profit working with an underserved

population will participate.

Year 1:

1) New Farmer Training: (April 2010)

• Four days a week the apprentices will learn/ practice Sustainable

Agriculture techniques on local farms. Rosebank Farm, Fields Farm,

Our Local Food.

• Monthly classes in agriculture: (Organic Growing School Model). This

program is open to old and young farmers in the Lowcountry.

• LLF will pay for apprentices to take a business planning class,

summer of 2010, and link apprentices with business mentors in our

local community.

• Apprentices complete a business plan and crop plan for their own

farm enterprise for Nov 2010 Graduation.

2) Marketing/Online Market: (Mid ???-April 2010)

• One day a week apprentices will focus on marketing of farmers

produce to restaurants, farm stand/ CSA.

• Apprentices will upload pictures of ripe produce weekly online. They

will also train their farm instructor.

• Chefs will place orders: Glass Onion, Al Di La, Med Bistro, Fish,

Monza, Fig, McCradys

• Apprentices will deliver to restaurants weekly.

• Local farmers increase sales, restaurants increased supply of local

food; farmers trained in new system; apprentices practice direct

marketing.

3) Community Development/ Food Access: (Fall 2010)

• Apprentices partner with a local community organization to

promote healthy fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Apprentices develop direct marketing experience through Farm

Stand project, or low income CSA.

This is an intensive training and education program and only those

dedicated to learning the skill of farming should apply. Conditions are hot

and days are long but this is a wonderful opportunity for those with a

passion for the land!

Lowcountry Local First will provide:

• Opportunity for hands-on experience farming

• Opportunity to learn direct sales marketing

• $500 month taxable stipend (April – July & Sept-Nov 2010)

• Housing Option

• Fresh Veggies

• Tuition for Entrepreneurship class in July/August

Contact Elizabeth Beak, Program Director of Sustainable Agriculture at

Elizabeth@lowcountrylocalfirst.org or 843-740-5444