Cohort Program

The SCNBFP is fundamentally an AGRIBUSINESS program, focused on providing new and beginning farmers the knowledge and tools necessary for developing a successful business enterprise. Some of the key topics of the SCNBFP ‘Core’ program include:

• Legal Issues & Risk Management
• Start-Up Logistics & Basic Farm Financial Management
• Developing a Business Concept & Basic Business Plan
• Introduction to Marketing, Branding, & Communication
• Basics of Direct-to-Consumer Markets
• Opportunities in Mediated (Wholesale) Markets
• Regulatory Issues & Resources
• Fundamentals of Soil Health Management
• Introduction to Integrated Pest & Weed Management

In order to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

• Resident of South Carolina (This means you currently LIVE in South Carolina.  If you have future plans to farm in SC but are currently residing out-of-state, please apply in another year, once you have established proven residency.)  NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Age 18+
• Maximum Farming Experience: Actively farming for no more than 9 consecutive years
• Minimum Farming Experience:   You do NOT need to have current access to land or be actively farming to apply!  You should, however, have a strong desire to develop a professional commercial (or non-profit) farming enterprise.  The SCNBFP is not suitable for those simply exploring the idea of farming, or who are interested in hobby-farming or homesteading only.
• The SCNBFP is designed for farm businesses that include PRODUCTION enterprises. If your business vision is focused only on entertainment, recreation, event venue (etc.) without plans to actually produce agricultural product, we will refer you to different resources, as the SCNBFP will not be a good fit.

The application window runs from January – February each year with core workshops running from April – September.  Optional advanced programming runs from September – November with graduation occurring in December.