Farming and Agricultural Recommendations for Mount Pleasant (F.A.R.M.)

View the project final report

Commodities

Practices

• Crop Production: food product quality/safety
• Farm Business Management: community-supported agriculture, farm-to-institution, feasibility study, agricultural finance, market study, value added, agritourism
• Sustainable Communities: community planning, ethnic differences/cultural and demographic change, local and regional food systems, partnerships, public participation, public policy, urban/rural integration

The Town of Mount Pleasant, SC, in partnership with Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) developed a local food assessment based on qualitative and quantitative data for the Town and region related to agricultural production and current consumption figures, and identified changes to the zoning code to encourage local sustainable agriculture and the growth of a local food economy. Based on input from the landowners, stakeholders, and statistical data, a summary report was produced with recommendations for strategic actions and next steps for developing and expanding the local food economy.

• Local Food and Farm Assessment: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Introduction

The Town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina’s fourth largest municipality, seeks to re-introduce farming through sustainable agricultural practices as a tool for economic development and to create a more sustainable community. Agriculture and seafood production were once the dominant land use and cornerstone of the Town’s economy. Rapid growth from 6,875 residents to over 65,000 in the past three decades transformed the Town into a typical suburban community where agricultural land uses are replaced with residential and commercial development.

The Town recently completed a periodic update of its Comprehensive Plan. Through the Comprehensive Planning process, residents indicated a strong preference for local farm and food planning, as well as rural preservation. Mount Pleasant has several unique agricultural industries. Shem Creek, home to the Lowcountry shrimping fleet and seafood industry, is widely recognized as the heart of Mount Pleasant. The shrimpers associations and seafood industry will be key stakeholders and beneficiaries of a sustainable agricultural program. Additionally, Mount Pleasant is home to the Sweetgrass Basketmakers Association. Basketmaking in Mount Pleasant has a 300-year history deeply tied to West African slaves and plantation life. Today, the Sweetgrass basket is one of the most widely recognized symbols of the Lowcountry. It was designated the state handicraft and recently received national recognition through the creation of the Gullah Geechee National Cultural Heritage Corridor.

Sustainable agriculture will result in increased economic opportunity. In addition to increasing and promoting farmers, shrimpers, suppliers, foodstuffs producers, and other value-added related businesses, the Town seeks to develop methods to extend economic opportunity even further. The local plan includes recommendations to develop programs for community resiliency, food access, and food security.

The Town in partnership with Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) identified and met with stakeholders to develop a local food economy plan, develop a local food assessment based on qualitative and quantitative data for the region related to agricultural production and current consumption figures, and recommended changes to the zoning code to encourage local sustainable agriculture and the growth of a local food economy. Based on input from the stakeholders and statistical data, a summary report was produced with recommendations for strategic actions and next steps for developing and expanding the local food economy. The report provides a baseline of information about the food and farming economy of the area, statistical projections related to the financial impact of shifts in farm production and consumption, and partnership and collaboration recommendations for future projects in support of local food and farms.

1. Develop a local food assessment based on qualitative and quantitative data for the region related to agricultural production and current consumption figures;
2. Recommend changes to the zoning code to encourage local sustainable agriculture and the growth of a local food economy;
3. Produce a summary report with recommendations for strategic actions and next steps for developing and expanding the local food economy;
4. Present findings to Town Council for implementation.