Market Development Educational Conference Cost Share

Reimbursement cost-share run by the SC Specialty Crop Growers Association in partnership with the SC Department of Agriculture (funded through the USDA-AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant, grant ref 24SCBPSC1265). Reimburses South Carolina specialty crop growers 50% of registration fees for attending approved specialty-crop trade shows and educational conferences (e.g., Carolina Farm Stewardship Sustainable Ag Conference, Southeast Vegetable & Fruit Expo, Clemson FRESH Summit, ASCFG Southeast Regional). Does not cover merchandise, travel, food, or lodging.

Must be a South Carolina farmer growing specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery/floriculture). Up to two registrations per company per approved conference; growers must obtain a free SC state vendor number. Graduation rule: cannot participate more than two consecutive years (may reapply after a one-year hiatus). SCSCGA members may be given preference.

Reimburses 50% of registration fees for an approved specialty-crop educational conference, for up to 2 growers per company. Growers pay and register with the event host first, then submit the reimbursement form with primary-source receipts.

Published per-conference maximum reimbursements (registration cost in parentheses):

• Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, Business of Farming Conference — $47.50 ($95)

• Southeast Vegetable & Fruit Expo — $90 ($180); up to $47.50 for one other registration

• Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference — $137.50 ($275)

• Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Sustainable Agriculture Conference — $187.50 ($375)

• ASCFG Southeast Regional Conference — $242.50 ($485)

• Clemson FRESH Food, Packaging, & Sustainability Summit — $274.50 ($549)

Not covered: "The cost share will not cover costs of merchandise, travel, food, or lodging."

Payment terms on the reimbursement invoice are 60 days. "Reimbursements are available on a first come first serve basis until funds are depleted," and are awarded based on the number of applications received and available funding.

Graduation rule: "Growers cannot exceed more than two consecutive years in the program, although they can reapply after one year hiatus." Each company must obtain a free State of SC vendor number.

Complete the Participant Application and submit to Anne Nidiffer, SCDA Marketing Specialist (anidiffer@scda.sc.gov); after attending, submit the Reimbursement Form with primary-source registration receipts. Reimbursements are first-come, first-served until funds are depleted. Application linked from agriculture.sc.gov/farm-and-business-support/grants.