Episode 14 | Less than 11% of the food that we eat in South Carolina is grown in South Carolina.
Ben Boyles, Senior Agribusiness Extension Agent from Clemson Cooperative Extension, is working to change that. Ben joins the Raising the Barn podcast to talk about how he has worked to develop and implement programs aimed at strengthening South Carolina's agricultural economy and rural communities since 2007.
In 2019, Ben was named Director of Clemson Extension’s South Carolina New and Beginning Farmer Program where he works to enable new and beginning farmers to be successful, productive, and innovative members of their local agricultural community.
And he is also the founder of the South Carolina Ag + Art Tour, so if you’re planning to take part in it this year, you know who to thank.
Some of the questions we chat about:
What are some of the resources that farmers have through Clemson Extension?
Let’s talk about the South Carolina Ag + Art Tour that is underway across our state. For those not familiar with the event - the tour is the largest free farm and art tour in the nation. Can you give a quick overview of what it has to offer farmers, artisans, and visitors?
How has it evolved since 2012?
What has been your biggest challenge when marketing Ag + Art and how did y’all overcome it?
What advice would you give to farmers and artisans to get the most out of the opportunity to participate?
The Ag + Art Tour is an incredible opportunity to introduce folks across our state to the people who feed us. What’s one thing that you would like consumers to take away from the tour?
From your perspective, what are some of the biggest challenges that young and new farmers are facing today? What can we do to support them?
What’s on the Clemson Extension Marketing Plan for 2024?
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Mentioned in this episode:
South Carolina Ag + Art Tour Website
South Carolina Ag + Art Tour Instagram
South Carolina Ag + Art Tour Facebook
SC New and Beginning Farmer Program
Episode Sponsors:
Visit York County - The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is back in York County, SC! Join us for this FREE, family-friendly event—a self-guided tour showcasing 25 farms with artisans at every stop. Experience first-hand where your food comes from, witness and shop from artisans in action, enjoy local musicians, and learn about the importance of supporting our local farms! You don’t want to miss this unique event, so mark your calendars for June 8th-9th! Visit agandarttour.com/york to learn more.