MODEL STATE PROGRAM Clemson University – PROGRAM ASSISTANT 2021-2022

Project Overview

SSSC21-A08
Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2021: $33,333.00
Projected End Date: 06/30/2022
Grant Recipient: Clemson Pee Dee Research & Education Center
Region: Southern
State: South Carolina
State Coordinators:
Dr. Matt Smith
Clemson Pee Dee Research & Education Center
Co-Coordinators:
Dr. Edoe Agbodjan
South Carolina State University

Commodities

No commodities identified

Practices

No practices identified

Proposal abstract:

The 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 six 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 shepherding certification of about 18 acres on the Pee Dee REC as organic. Working closely with the state SARE coordinators and the Program Advisory Committee, the Assistant will support and promote the SC SARE PDP program.

Project objectives from proposal:

The MSP Assistant will be based at Clemson University. The Assistant has seven years of experience with the Clemson Extension Service presenting programs on plant breeding to stakeholders statewide, organizing the Pee Dee REC Field Day, and shepherding certification of about 18 acres on the Pee Dee REC as organic. He completed his M.S. in Plant and Environmental Sciences in Spring 2020. Working closely with the state SARE coordinators and the Program Advisory Committee, the Assistant will support and promote the SC SARE PDP program with the following responsibilities:

  • Identify and recruit interested stakeholders and groups to participate in the statewide strategic planning process. Ensure that stakeholders are well-represented by geographic region and to encourage participation by limited resource and minority farmers.
  • Assist with organization of the annual strategic planning meetings for the Advisory Committee and stakeholders to identify priorities and develop strategies and topics for educational programs.
  • Serve as program contact and respond to requests for information from the public.
  • Assist with organization of in-service training programs and other educational activities including coordination of local arrangements for all events.
  • Assist with development of the annual SC SARE Plan of Work Proposal and Budget
  • Assist with program evaluation (develop and summarize participant surveys, develop project reports).
  • Assist with development of the annual SC SARE Program report for submission to SARE.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.