Rural Resource Coalition

May News & Events

Sara — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:00:16 +0000

Check out the link for RRC-related news, grants, events, and resources that are updated monthly.

May News and Events 2013

Black Farmers: New Markets, New Hope

Sara — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:07:42 +0000

For generations, African-American farmers in the Alabama Black Belt have stuck through tough times. Now they see new opportunities for selling their produce, thanks in part to the 121-year-old Tuskegee Farmers Conference.

Read the full Ag and Trade article here.

RRC-SC Meeting Offers New Opportunities for Local Farmers

marjorie — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:01:31 +0000

In a packed room at Brown’s Barbeque the Pee Dee region farming community gathered to learn about infrastructure and programs designed to serve the needs of small to mid-sized farmers.

Representatives from the Rural Resource Coalition SC (RRCSC), SC Wildlife Federation, USDA StrikeForce Initiative, GrowFood Carolina and Millgrove Farms highlighted new tools available to the Kingstree local growing community. Agenda topics included networking opportunities, low-interest loans, local produce distribution infrastructure, and marketing and technical expertise.

Read the full Georgetown Times article here.

April News & Events

Sara — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:59:26 +0000

Check out the link for RRC-related news, grants, events, and resources that are updated monthly.

April News and Events 2013

The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation Receives $425K Grant Award

Sara — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:35:12 +0000

Two sites in the Carolinas have been selected as pilots for the launch of a collaborative $1.2 million grant program to help stem the loss of African American owned forests. The program is a joint venture of the U. S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Inc. (the “Endowment”), the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the USDA Forest Service.

For the full press release, click here.

Please click here for the job announcement.

Secretary Vilsack Launches USDA “StrikeForce” Initiative to Boost Rural Economic Growth and Opportunity

marjorie — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:47:34 +0000

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will launch its ”StrikeForce” initiative in 10 additional states, including South Carolina. The primary goal of the StrikeForce initiative is to increase partnership with rural communities and leverage community resources in targeted, persistent poverty areas.

Read the full press release from USDA here.

March News & Events

Sara — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 18:12:17 +0000

Check out the link for RRC-related news, grants, events, and resources that are updated monthly.

March News and Events 2013

South Carolina SET Now Accepting Applications

Sara — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:12:35 +0000

Stronger Economies Together (SET) enables communities and counties in rural America to work together in developing and implementing an economic development blueprint for their multi-county region that strategically builds on the current and emerging economic strengths of that region. Launched in 2010 by USDA Rural Development and the nation’s four Regional Rural Development Centers and their land-grant university partners, the exciting initiative is now accepting applications for communities in South Carolina. All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15.

Benefits of acceptance into the program include:

More than 35 hours of valuable, step-by-step training to guide production of a practical and viable regional economic development plan
In-depth data tailored to the region, describing its current and emerging clusters, comparative economic advantages, and detailed demographic and socio-economic information
Tools to uncover local assets and resources that can advance the region’s economic strategies
Up to 40 hours of technical assistance from Extension educators, USDA RD state staff and the Regional Rural Development Centers to guide the implementation of regional goals and strategies
Opportunity to apply for a special assistance grant to support more advanced regional data analyses or to connect with those with specialized expertise needed to reach your regional goals
Chance to share information and gather ideas from other SET regions nationwide

Please see the website here for more information including the program application, flyer, and press release.

Local Marketing Opportunities for Local Producers – Kingstree

marjorie — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:15:44 +0000

Calling all FARMERS and local food enthusiasts! Join us for a complimentary BBQ supper at Brown’s and an informative conversation about organizing the community around local agriculture and food, marketing local products (locally), and selling your food through some of the creative outlets that have cropped up in your own backyard. We’ll meet in the back room of the restaurant on Thursday, April 18th from 6 – 8:00 p.m.

Brown’s BBQ in Kingstree, SC
809 N Williamsburg County Hwy, 29556

Please RSVP to Lisa Turansky at lisajt@scccl.org or (843)723-8035.

This project is supported in part by the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, SCDA.

Save the Date Flyer

Local Marketing Opportunities for Local Producers – Kingstree

marjorie — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:12:39 +0000

Calling all farmers and local food enthusiasts! Join the Rural Resource Coalition SC, GrowFood Carolina, and local farmer stars Ben and Carol Williams of Millgrove Farms on April 18th at Browns BBQ for an evening of information and great conversation. Topics will include rural support networks, sustainable farming methods and goals, and new market opportunities. We’ll meet in the back room of the restaurant on Thursday, April 18th from 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Brown’s BBQ in Kingstree, SC
809 N Williamsburg County Hwy, 29556

Please RSVP to Lisa Turansky at lisajt@scccl.org or (843)723-8035.

This project is supported in part by the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, SCDA.

Event Flyer