RAIN VI Conference - January 29th

"ADDING VALUE TO THE BUSINESS OF AGRICULTURE IN SOUTH CAROLINA"
The Business of Agriculture in South Carolina is big, and folks in the agribusiness industry as all other industries in today’s economy are looking for ways to add value and increase profits. It is for this reason Carolina AgriSolutions Growers Association "CASGA", Clemson Institute for Economic and Community Development, SC Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, Palmetto Institute, SC Tobacco Growers Assoc. and many others are taking part in the RAIN VI Conference to be held on Friday, January 29th at the Lake House on Clemson’s Sandhill Research and Education Center. (900 Clemson Road, Columbia, SC).

The focus of the 6th annual RAIN conference is to bring together farmers, agricultural leaders and others interested in the future of South Carolina agriculture. We will discuss and learn how to: develop and market enhanced value-added agricultural products and services; preserve and sustain agriculture for the overall quality of life and profitability in South Carolina and rejuvenate agriculture in the region.

The keynote speaker for the RAIN VI Conference will be Rowland Alston host of "Making it Grow!" He will bring an informative and enlightening message on "The Business of Agriculture in SC, Making it Grow". We will also hear from Tim Will, Executive Director of Foothills Connect, who has helped build a successful CSA program connecting small growers in the Rutherford County area of N.C. with restaurants and direct markets (www.FarmersFreshMarket.org). The SC Commissioner of Agriculture, Hugh Weathers will discuss the 50 / 20 vision for SC Agribusiness. Other topics on the agenda are: Agritourism, Muscadine and Value Added Initiatives, impact and survey studies, processing facilities and much more.

An outstanding "SC Fresh on the Menu" lunch from SpottedSalamanderCatering.com will be served, as well as an afternoon social featuring local beverages and products from the members of SC Specialty Foods Association.

Lots of things are happening with value added agriculture in South Carolina. We hope you will join us on Friday, January 29, 2010. Pass the word to others who may have an interest. Register by January 25th for the early bird registration - $30. For more information about RAIN VI (directions / hotel / etc.) visit the RAIN Blog: www.rainconference.blogspot.com or contact Jody Martin at 843-662-8423 or jodyamartin@gmail.com

Farm Fresh Veggies Delivered to You!

Thanks to Josh Johnson and Richie Wheeler fresh vegetables can be delivered to your door each week. Fresh and local from their farm near Aynor, SC.

J & W Produce is a CSA, a community supported agriculture program. How does that work? Based on a seasonal commitment, community members pre-pay for shares of the season's harvest. Members then receive weekly, a box of fresh vegetables. This method assures a variety of products picked at the peak of ripeness and flavor and delivered to a convenient location.

It is their mission to provide their shareholders locally grown, fresh, safe agricultural products. Both Josh and Richie have been involved in agriculture their entire lives. They met at Clemson University and both received degrees in Agricultural fields.

This concept is new to the Pee Dee region, but not to South Carolina. Similar CSA's are in the Columbia, Charleston and Raleigh areas.
"Right now, our range is Georgetown, Conway, Marion and Aynor. But we'd love to stretch up to Florence and further," Josh Johnson said.

Check their website www.JWProduce.com or feel free to give them a call 843.855.3348 to order or with questions.