Rally to Support Palmettovore Movement

Today Certified SC Grown fruits and vegetables rallied at the South Carolina State House along with SC Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh E. Weathers and other state and industry leaders to introduce a new movement, Palmettovore, that encourages South Carolinians to purchase and consume only produce and products grown and processed in South Carolina.

While the name may be new, Palmettovore is a tried and true concept. In other parts of the United States, people who participate in this lifestyle are referred to as Locavores, and their numbers are growing rapidly across the country. While Locavores eat food grown within 100 miles of where they live, Palmettovores have a somewhat more refined geographical preference for Certified SC Grown produce and products from the Palmetto State.

Commissioner Weathers addressed the audience explaining the benefits of eating and buying locally and what it means to be a Palmettovore.

“Eating the Palmettovore way is fresher and healthier, reduces our carbon footprint since food travels a shorter distance, and helps support our local farmers, which contributes to South Carolina’s agribusiness industry and overall economy,” said Weathers. “As the Palmettovore movement grows, it will support sustainable, local food production, processing and distribution networks that reach supermarkets and restaurants statewide.”

Certified SC Grown fruits and vegetables were on site carrying signs with slogans such as “Home Grown and Proud” and “Eat Local, Be A Palmettovore”. Spokes-produce of the group, Tom Tomato, took the podium to discuss why they are very concerned about being underemployed due to South Carolinians not choosing to purchase and consume Certified SC Grown produce and products. “We need work. We are tired of being passed over by the people that could help us the most - South Carolinians.” To further their cause, Tom Tomato and his friends are starring in their own documentary that is currently featured on palmettovore.org.

The South Carolina General Assembly offered their support in promoting the Palmettovore movement by passing a resolution proclaiming June ‘Palmettovore Challenge’ month. SC House Representative Joan Brady, (Rep- District 78), resolution sponsor, read the proclamation aloud. During June, South Carolinians are challenged to eat the Palmettovore way and support the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s (SCDA) Certified SC Grown and Fresh on the Menu programs.

“This resolution represents the legislature’s support for the SCDA’s programs and its latest Palmettovore movement, which will hopefully increase awareness for buying and consuming locally grown,” said Representative Brady. As Chair of the Insurance Subcommittee for the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, Brady said she especially understands the important economic impact of Palmettovore Challenge month. “Taking the Palmettovore challenge will allow South Carolinians to support our state’s number one industry of agribusiness and our overall economy.”

During the kick-off event, Steven Cook, owner of Saluda’s restaurant in Columbia, SC, discussed how his restaurant is participating in the Palmettovore movement as a member of SCDA’s Fresh on the Menu program. Fresh on the Menu restaurants incorporate at least 25 percent of Certified SC Grown produce and products into their menu items when in season. Launched in 2008, there are now more than 200 Fresh on the Menu restaurants across the state.

“As a Fresh on the Menu restaurant, we feel that we are contributing to the Palmettovore movement and demonstrating to our customers that they can trust that what they are enjoying is fresher, tastier and grown in South Carolina,” said Cook. “We hope that you will dine at Saluda’s and all Fresh on the Menu restaurants across the state in your efforts to become a Palmettovore and support Certified SC Grown.”

Palmettovore Challenge month will officially begin on June 1st. To learn more about the movement and how you can participate please visit www.palmettovore.org.

The Certified South Carolina initiative was developed and created three years ago by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to brand and promote South Carolina grown produce and products through an exciting cooperative among producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants. For more information, please visit www.CertifiedSCGrown.com.