Project Overview
Commodities
Practices
Proposal abstract:
The 1862 land-grant MSP Assistant will be based at Clemson University’s Pee Dee Research and Education Center in Florence SC (Co-located with Clemson’s SARE Coordinator). The Assistant has seven years of experience with the Clemson Extension Service presenting programs on plant breeding to stakeholders statewide, appearing on the panel of SCETV’s “Making It Grow” program, organizing the Pee Dee REC Field Day, and providing graphic design/videography communication support where needed. Working closely with the state SARE coordinators, the Program Advisory Committee, and the new 1890 land-grant MSP Assistant, the 1862 Assistant will support and promote the SC SARE PDP program.
Project objectives from proposal:
To the extent possible we will emphasize an interdisciplinary and participatory approach to training. Primary audiences for trainings are 1862 and 1890 Extension agents, NRCS conservation field staff, and other agriculture professionals. Agriculture professionals who serve small-scale, minority and limited resource farmers as well as those serving larger-scale conventional farms will be encouraged to attend. Strong stakeholder participation and input into educational program development will reinforce trainee participation and enthusiasm for programs. Participants in the educational programs will increase competency and skills in areas related to sustainable agriculture. They will have gained the knowledge and confidence (i.e. competency) which will enable them to respond positively and knowledgeably to client inquiries regarding principles and practices of sustainable agriculture. Their participation will also facilitate their integration into the sustainable agriculture community such that they will be able to refer clients to additional people/resources. We have also observed that participation in educational programs and interaction with other participants increases the trainee’s level of enthusiasm such that they become increasingly strong advocates for sustainable agriculture. In 2023 we are seeking stronger participation from both 1862 and 1890 Extension agents.