South Carolina Gives $200,000 to 13 Farm Businesses

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture awarded $200,000 between 13 agricultural ventures through Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship.

After studying business strategies and watching pitch videos, a panel chose the winners. "South Carolina's agribusiness entrepreneurs keep finding new ways to surprise and impress me," said ACRE executive director Kyle Player in the SCDA release.

Military veterans run two of the winning farms. In Aiken County, the Billue family plans to expand their hay sales. Sumter County's Relinoca Farms will build a shop and teaching space specializing in native landscaping.

Fresh food growers took five spots on the winner's list. A new greenhouse at Kindlewood will supply local chefs. Basic upgrades like restrooms and web access will come to Livingston's fields. Bushels and Bags will use their funds to install drip irrigation for their organic crops. More plant types will fill Roots and Shoots' shelves. Carolina Bananas aims to grow fruit in cold weather.

Three winners focus on farm visits. Old McCaskill's will turn crops into shelf-stable snacks. At Harvest Moon, guests will pick flowers in new fields next to a farm store. Better parking will welcome Christmas tree shoppers at Merry Mixon.

Two unique projects round out the group. J&E Homestead will spin wool into yarn. Set In Stone will teach kids about food and science.

Since 2017, ACRE has backed new farm ideas under Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers. Through workshops and training, ACRE has worked to strengthen South Carolina's agriculture and support agricultural entreprenuers.