Prospective Participants
Welcome Prospective Participants
The South Carolina New and Beginning Farmer Program (SCNBFP) is now accepting applications for the Class of 2025 Cohort program!
If you are interested in applying for the 2025 class please read the steps below for more information and application instructions.
2025 Program Snapshot
- Program Dates: April - August 2025, consisting of a series of 9 full day educational workshops and an in-person graduation event for those enrolled in the 'Certificate program.'
- Cost: $250.00/Person
- New ‘Audit’ Option! For the first time, the 2025 SCNBFP will offer two course options: An ‘Audit’ option for those who may not be able to commit to the full program, and a ‘Certificate’ option for those desiring to earn a certificate, as well as enjoy other benefits.
- Online Delivery! In order to accommodate those unable to travel to our traditional in-person workshops, 2025 SCNBFP training events will be hosted entirely online! (The only exception will be an additional Graduation event for those enrolled in the ‘Certificate’ program).
- Bonus Programming! Full day workshops will be complemented by optional bonus programming covering specialized topics such as Agritourism and E-Commerce. At no extra cost, these will be hosted online over the lunch hour.
- Business Plan Contest! Select 'Certificate program' participants will have the opportunity to deliver short presentations of their business plans as part of the graduation event … A total of $5,000 in cash prizes to be awarded!
- Who May Apply: Any current resident of SC, age 18 or older who has been actively farming for less than 10 consecutive years. Current land access not required.
- Deadline to Apply: 11:59 PM, Sunday, February 9, 2025
How to Apply
Step 1. Carefully review the 2025 Program Outline and the 2025 Course Description and Calendar.
Step 2: Still have more questions? Attend a virtual open house! SCNBFP staff will hold a series of 2 Zoom open houses to answer any questions you may have. Session dates and times are below.
Zoom link to access all open house sessions: https://clemson.zoom.us/j/91006433722?pwd=YjfVWApRrAYfe2XbeKmo40hhaI0PAX.1
- Session #1 – Wednesday / January 15, 2025 / 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Session #2 – Thursday / February 6, 2025 / 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Step 3: Click here to apply online. No paper applications are available; you must apply online. The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM, February 9, 2025. Feel free to review the application questions but do not hit "Submit" until after your application is complete. You will need to finish the application in one sitting. Please give yourself an hour to complete the application.
