2024-2025 Model State Program Assistant - Clemson University

Project Overview

SSC24-A01
Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2024: $33,000.00
Projected End Date: 06/30/2025
Grant Recipient: Clemson University
Region: Southern
State: South Carolina
State Coordinators:
Dr. John Andrae
Clemson University
Co-Coordinators:
Dr. Joshua Idassi
South Carolina State University

Commodities

No commodities identified

Practices

No practices identified

Proposal abstract:

The MSP Assistant for Clemson University (1862) will be based at the Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center in Florence, SC. The Assistant has eight years of experience with the Clemson Extension Service presenting programs on plant breeding to stakeholders statewide, organizing the Pee Dee REC Field Day, and meeting graphic design/communication needs for the REC. He completed his M.S. in Plant and Environmental Sciences in Spring 2020. Working closely with the 1862 state SARE coordinator, the Program Advisory Committee, and the newly hired 1890 MSP Assistant for SC State University, the 1862 Assistant will support and promote the SC SARE PDP program.

Project objectives from proposal:

  • Continue the existing strategic planning process for
    statewide sustainable agriculture development. Building on new
    and existing collaborations with stakeholder groups, the state
    co-coordinators will work with the MSP Assistant and with the SC
    SARE Advisory Committee to broaden the pool of stakeholders
    including under-represented groups who are involved with the
    planning process and the development of educational programs. As
    in previous years, an annual Open Forum will be organized the
    second week in January (in-person only, January 11, 2024 at the
    Clemson Sandhills Research and Education Center in Columbia, SC)
    to identify priorities and to plan educational programs based on
    stakeholder needs. In 2024 the SC SARE Program partnered with the
    SC Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program to host a joint Open
    Forum. This fostered collaboration between the two programs. We
    will continue to collaborate on training programs with
    stakeholder organizations and with SARE PDP personnel from
    neighboring states when appropriate. The comprehensive and
    inclusive planning process will limit duplication of effort and
    will help to leverage available resources.


    2024 Open Forum Minutes

  • The SC SARE PDP Program will continue to organize and conduct
    in-service training opportunities for Extension agents, NRCS, FSA
    and state Department of Agriculture personnel, agricultural
    educators, and for other interested persons as space permits.
    Workshop topics will be determined annually regarding input from
    the program Advisory Committee during the annual Open Forum each
    January and/or through digital polls as needed. With a new
    Program Coordinator comes a new shift in program direction. For
    2024-2025, the 1862 SC SARE Program will heavily prioritize
    trainings that have a strong hands-on, real-world component. The
    SC SARE Program will strongly support those trainings which lead
    to the establishment of demonstration plots to display the
    results of implementing sustainable ag practices. To a lesser
    extent, the program will continue to sponsor relevant trainings
    that do not included a hands-on component. The MSP Assistant, in
    consultation with the training's invited trainer, will have
    overall responsibility for workshop organization, publicity and
    evaluation. This on-going objective is a repeat from 2023 because
    new trainings are needed/requested annually and as new
    information is published.
  • Continue to provide professional development opportunities
    for Extension agents, NRCS, FSA and state Department of
    Agriculture staff and other sustainable agriculture educators. To
    a far lesser extent than in previous years, limited travel
    scholarships will continue to be provided for select Extension
    agents and agricultural professionals to attend relevant
    trainings/conferences. These events represent valuable
    educational and networking opportunities for our agents and
    others in agriculture. This objective is a repeat from 2023
    because conferences in 2024 will offer new information and
    opportunities for ag. professionals.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.