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.

Kroger Recalls Shelled Pistachios

COLUMBIA, S.C., March 30, 2009 – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture forwards the following recall notice from the FDA regarding Private Selection® Shelled Pistachios sold in Kroger retail stores that may be contaminated with Salmonella. South Carolina was listed as one of the thirty-one states where the product was sold. Consumers who have questions about the above recall may contact Kroger toll-free at (800) 697-2448. For more information, visit www.kroger.com/recalls.

hase II of the SC Waste Pesticide Recovery begins in the Upstate

Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of Agriculture, announces that the South Carolina Waste Pesticide Recovery Program is now moving into Upstate South Carolina. Old, outdated, unusable or unwanted pesticides will be collected from farmers, foresters, nurserymen, and landowners from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday - Thursday, February 3 – 5 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, February 10 and 12, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, February 11.

Phase I of our collection program began with selected sites in the lower part of the state. “We are now moving to the Anderson and Gramling areas next week and Newberry and Chester the following week,” said Commissioner Weathers. “In the first two weeks of the recovery program this fall,” he said, “we collected over 180,000 pounds of pesticides.” A fully permitted waste collection vendor is removing these pesticides from farms and disposing them in a safe and proper manner. There is no charge for this service and registration is not required. All information associated with this program is confidential.

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture secured state and federal funds to administer this much needed program. “I appreciate the assistance of partners such as the SC Farmer Bureau and farm suppliers in helping make this happen,” Commissioner Weathers said.

All agricultural pesticides, labeled or not, may be brought to one of the sites on the dates designated.
Pesticides include insecticides, herbicides, nematicides, fungicides and other similar products used in commercial agricultural production. No fertilizers, household chemicals, compressed cylinders or empty containers will be accepted.

Participants are urged to bring all materials to the site in the safest manner possible. Enclose all loose materials or leaking containers in plastic bags. If special circumstances exist that require pickup on site, contact Larry Boyleston, Assistant Commissioner, SC Department of Agriculture, 803-734-2191, lboylest@scda.sc.gov to make arrangements.

The program also includes an education component to provide information on proper management, handling and use of pesticides.

In our area:
Thursday, February 12
9 am-3 pm
Chester
Carolina Eastern

Commissioner of Agriculture to give thanks to those who “Cultivate their Passion”

Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of Agriculture, will be the featured speaker at the Community Health Charities of South Carolina Appreciation Luncheon at noon on Wednesday, January 21 at Embassy Suites in Columbia. The event is being held by Community Health Charities to say “Thank You!” to each of the state, federal, and local agencies that participated in the 2008 Employees Campaign.

The Community Health Charities of SC is a federation of 23 respected national health agencies providing research, public and professional education, patient, family and community services across the nation and in our state. The Community Health Charities partnership with the member health charities in the workplace provides a cost effective effort that enhances the ability to deliver more of every dollar donated into the hands of those who desperately need it. In fact, 90% of the organization’s funding goes directly to the member health charities in the community.

“Community Health Charities of SC and all its member organizations have a passion for helping in the fight against disease and disability. They strive to cultivate that passion – that commitment – in others through programs like workplace giving,” Commissioner Weathers said.

“I can’t think of a more appropriate tie to agriculture than supporting the health and well-being of our people,” Commissioner Weathers added. “Local is the key word. At the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, we encourage people to eat local through our Certified SC Grown campaign. Equally important to a healthy state is giving to local charities.” The mission of Community Health Charities of South Carolina is to enhance the operations, programs and services of its member health-related charitable agencies involved in medial research, patient services, and health education.

Employees designate the charity or charities where they want their donations to go, and Community Health Charities does the rest. Community Health Charities is able to keep donations local through a nationwide system of local offices like Community Health Charities of SC. Employees can choose payroll deduction or outright contributions. Employees enjoy working for companies that are involved with charitable and volunteer activities.

For more information about the 2009 Workplace Employees Campaign or the Appreciation Luncheon, contact Dan Hanfland, Community Health Charities of South Carolina Executive Director, 803-731-5134, dhanfland@healthcharities.org.

Farmers’ Conference to Focus on Selling Locally

Selling locally—it’s a solution for farmers seeking new buyers for their products. Learn how at the Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference on Saturday, Feb. 28 at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC. Offered by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), this sixth annual conference provides farmers with training and networking opportunities they need to sustain their farms in changing markets.

Workshops, ranging from the introductory Marketing Basics for the New Farmer to specialized topics such as Marketing Grass Fed Meats, Successful Tailgate Marketing in Rural Areas, and Successful Models of Cooperative Marketing, are about promoting farm products.

Workshops are taught by fellow farmers, agriculture professionals, and marketing specialists.

Farmers and those seriously considering farming as a profession should attend. Potential buyers of locally-grown goods are also invited to attend the full conference, or come to network for no charge. Opportunities for farmer/buyer meetings are planned.

The cost for the conference is $30, or $40 per two farm partners if you register before February 1st. The cost is $35, or $50 per two farm partners beginning February 1. Price includes light breakfast, local foods lunch, and resource notebook

For more information or to register, visit http://www.asapconnections.org/MOFF.html or call (828) 236-1282.