SARE Report

Farmer Consultations for Wholesale Procurement and Distribution

• Consultations take place at least 2-4 times a week per farmer to discuss harvest projections, Quality specifications, and Other major themes that arise from farmer interactions, outside of regular consultations are labor shortages, cold chain issues and lack of infrastructure.
• Other categories for consultations include technical assistance for assisting farmers with GAP certification, EQIP, and other activities with agricultural agencies.

Wholesale Readiness Pre Screening

• New Farmer Questionnaire to assess acreage, infrastructure needs, food safety certifications, assessing wholesale readiness,
  • A total of 26

Farmers should identify the crops or products they want to wholesale.

• Product Selection and Planning:
  • Farmers identified the crops or products they wanted to wholesale based on profitability and that were the least labor intensive while considering factors such as demand, seasonality, and market trends. They were given the opportunity to collaborate with buyers at a grower buyer meet up hosted by the cooperative to plan what crops to grow to meet their seasonality demand.
  • Plan production schedules to ensure a steady supply throughout the wholesale

• Quality Assurance: ,
  • Both cooperative staff and farmers were trained on proper harvesting, handling, and storage techniques to maintain product freshness and Farmers were given educational materials such as produce quality guides to implement quality control measures to ensure that only high-quality produce is selected for wholesale. They also received one on one training for proper produce harvesting and cooling and post harvest storage.
• Packaging, Labeling and Pricing:
  • Choose appropriate packaging materials that protect the produce during transportation and storage.
  • Set competitive wholesale prices that cover production costs and provide a reasonable profit margin using the USDA terminal market as a guide.
• Handling and Storage Instructions:
  • Provide clear instructions for handling and storing the vegetables to maintain freshness and quality.
  • Include any specific storage temperature requirements or recommendations from the Wholesale Readiness Manual.

Wholesale Readiness Curriculum, and Educational Tools created

• Quality Guides created with information referenced from USDA standards and Wholesale Readiness Manual were developed to help train staff and farmers on quality expectations for wholesale produce. These guides touched on pre and post harvest practices, grading tips, and ways to maintain the cold chain between harvest and
• The Farm Network Manager created a Wholesale Readiness binder to increase preparedness, improve yields, and narrow down harvest projections. The binder was also created to assist farmers with improving record keeping which is a common issue amongst farmers.

Wholesale Readiness activities supported (certifications, registrations, designations and grant applications to be completed by limited resource farmers to maximize on-farm resources and wholesale competitiveness (including renewal/application for harmonized GAP certification, organic certification, South Carolina or Georgia Grown licensing agreements, FSMA waivers, and reimbursement applications for GAP certification, water testing, cold storage, and packaging supplies.)

• Funding has been granted to a total of 3 farmers to assist them with cold storage. Our latest farmer that received the funding used it to renovate a pre-existing trailer which he converted into a mobile cooler. He also entered an agreement to assist local farmers lacking the infrastructure to access wholesale markets by granting them space to store produce being sold to the cooperative in his cooler. Hub for local farmers that lack the infrastructure necessary to give them access to wholesale markets.
• 2 farmers have been led through renewal of their Harmonized GAP Certification. These are our largest producing farmers growing on 40 plus acres of land We've noticed a trend of smaller farmers being reluctant to move forward with GAP certification as a result of a new government program specifically designed to Water testing is a major step during the GAP certification process.
• Water testing kits were created to help farmers offset some costs associated with pursuing GAP These test kits included a cooler bag, ice packs, 2 sanitized vials, sterile gloves and instructions on how to collect your water sample and how to properly ship your samples for testing.

GAP and Food Safety Workshop (February 9, 2023, February 29, 2024, & August 23, 2024)

1. Introduction to GAP
   • Overview of what GAP entails
   • Importance of GAP in modern agriculture
   • Benefits of implementing GAP for farmers and consumers

2. Crop Management Practices
   • Soil preparation techniques
   • Seed selection and quality assurance

• Planting methods and spacing
• Irrigation and water management

3. Pest and Disease Management
   • Prevention methods and integrated pest management (1PM) techniques
   • Safe and effective pesticide use
   • Alternative pest control strategies

4. Fertilization and Nutrient Management
   • Proper fertilizer selection and application methods
   • Organic fertilizers and composting

5. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
   • Timing of harvest for maximum yield and quality
   • Handling practices to minimize damage and spoilage
   • Storage techniques to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life
   • Packaging and labeling requirements for market readiness

6. Food Safety and Quality Assurance
   • Importance of food safety in agricultural production
   • Good handling practices to prevent contamination
   • Quality control measures to ensure product standards
   • Compliance with local and international regulation

Farmers were informed about the resources they have access to in order to prepare for GAP. A number of farm visits including practical demonstrations of GAP techniques and assessments took place throughout the year to assist farmers with preparation. Workshops are held as informative sessions as well as opportunities for farmers to network with each other and share different methods.

Training Logistics:

Venue: Gullah Farmers Cooperative

Speakers and Facilitators: Keisha Rainey, Carolina Farm Stewardship; Ashley Walker, Gullah Farmers Cooperative Association

Crop Planning and Harvest Productions (February 15, 2024)

A workshop focusing on harvest projections and fruit and vegetable production can be immensely beneficial for farmers looking to optimize their yields and plan their operations effectively.

1. Introduction to Harvest Projections and Production Planning
   • Importance of accurate harvest projections
   • Overview of production planning in fruit and vegetable farming
   • Benefits of effective planning for farmers and markets

2. Understanding Crop Cycles and Seasonality
   • Overview of typical crop cycles for various fruits and vegetables
   • Seasonality factors affecting production and harvest
   • Strategies for diversifying crops to_extend harvest seasons

3. Factors Influencing Yield Projections
   • Climate and weather patterns
   • Soil health and fertility
   • Pest and disease management
   • Water availability and irrigation management

4. Techniques for Harvest Projections
   • Data collection methods for historical yield analysis
   • Use of forecasting models and software tools
   • Incorporating market demand and price trends into projections
   • Adjusting projections based on real-time observations and feedback

5. Crop Selection and Variety Selection
   • Factors to consider when selecting crops for production
   • Choosing varieties suited to local climate and market preferences
   • Crop rotation and succession planting for optimal yield and soil health

6. Soil Management Practices
   • Soil testing and analysis for nutrient management
   • Soil amendment strategies to improve fertility and structure
   • Soil conservation techniques to prevent erosion and nutrient runoff

7. Irrigation and Water Management
   • Efficient irrigation methods for fruit and vegetable production
   • Monitoring soil moisture levels and plant water requirements
   • Rainwater harvesting and irrigation scheduling techniques

8. Integrated Pest and Disease Management
   • Identification of common pests and diseases affecting fruit and vegetable crops
   • Prevention strategies, including crop rotation and sanitation
   • Biological control methods and safe use of pesticides

9. Post-Harvest Handling and Storage
   • Best practices for harvesting fruits and vegetables to maximize shelf life and quality
   • Proper handling techniques to minimize damage and spoilage
   • Storage facilities and conditions for different types of produce

Training Logistics:

Venue: Gullah Farmers Cooperative

Speakers and Facilitators: Chad Carter, Clemson Extension; Zach Snipes, Clemson Extension; Mark Nettles, SCSU Extension; Nancy Meyers, NRCS Crop Insurance; Ashley Walker, Gullah Farmers Cooperative Association

Grower Buyer Meetup (August 7, 2023)

A workshop focusing on grower demands and matchmaking based on growing skill, growing power, and harvest projections.

Both growers and buyers that are members in our sales network were brought together to collaborate on produce needs to meet the demand of the current market.

Seasonality, on farm issues, and crop planning methods to ensure a certain number of cases were produced a week were discussed as well as pack sizing and quality requirements.

• Growfood, Fresh Point, Common Market, Second Helpings, and Lowcountry Food Bank were buyers that were present.

Wholesale Readiness & Agribusiness Development Workshop (August 2nd & 3rd, August 15th & 16th, 2024)

Venue: Gullah Farmers Cooperative

Facilitators: Steven Richards, Senior Agribusiness Associate, Clemson University; Stanley Green, GTG Consulting

The Agribusiness Development and Team Building Workshop aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary to build sustainable agribusinesses while fostering strong, collaborative teams. This workshop focused on bridging the gap between agricultural entrepreneurship and effective team management, vital for success in today's competitive market.

Key Workshop Highlights:

1. Introduction to Agribusiness Development:
   • Understanding the current landscape of agribusiness, including emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities.
   • Strategies for developing a viable business plan that integrates market research, financial planning, and risk management.
   • Case studies showcasing successful agribusiness models, emphasizing innovation in sustainable practices and local food systems.

3. Building & Leading Effective Teams:
   • Exploring leadership styles suited to agribusiness environments, emphasizing adaptability, problem-solving, and collaboration.
   • Strategies for creating a positive, inclusive work culture that motivates employees, enhances productivity, and aligns with business goals.
   • Team-building exercises to strengthen communication and trust within the