The mission of the SC Specialty Crop Growers Association is to support promotional, research, and educational efforts for improving the marketing and quality of production of fresh fruit, vegetable, and specialty crops grown in South Carolina.
Our members are growers and others involved in the produce and specialty crop business in South Carolina. We work with all grower groups, government agencies, public universities, elected officials, and other public and private organizations or businesses to promote the best interest of fresh fruit, vegetable and specialty crops in South Carolina from production to consumption.
Board of Directors
Nathan Vannette – President
Jordan Hodgens – Vice President
David Richburg – Treasurer
Mary Connor
Bob Hall
Josh Johnson
Tim Rowe
Weatherly Thomas
Executive Director
Anne Nidiffer, South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Advisors
Rob Last, Clemson University Cooperative Extension
Chalmers Mikell, SC Farm Bureau
Pick a Benefit
Advocacy Efforts
Our voice is influential local, state and federal legislation on matters affecting our industry. Our support helped influence legislation such as the Farm Bill, Farm Aid, water resource issues and labor regulations.
Classes
Food safety experts provide classes from Clemson University Department of Food Science, Clemson Extension Service, SCDHEC, SC Farm Bureau and more.
Mini-Grants
The SCSCGA offers mini-grants to its members for various projects including on-farm production, marketing, transportation and management. To apply, the producer must be a member of SCSCGA.
Education
The Association offers education for members through regional conferences, regional food safety workshops and regional grower meetings.
Resources
Our extensive list of resources is available to all members to aid in any need that arises. Some of our partners have joined together to offer our members special discounts and deals. Together, we are collaborating to improve the way we live and work through agriculture.
Find SC Farmers’ Markets and Roadside Markets on our Interactive Map
What is a Specialty Crop?
Specialty Crops are defined as “Fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture)” – Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note), amended under section 10010 of the Agricultural Act of 2014, Public Law 113-79 (the Farm Bill),