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S.C. Food Policy Council

S.C. Food Policy Council. Beth Crocker, SC Dept. of Agriculture & Susan Frost, SC Dept. of Health & Environmental Control August 24, 2010. Presentation Overview. This is an update on the most recent activities of the S.C. Food Policy council, which includes:

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S.C. Food Policy Council

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  1. S.C. Food Policy Council Beth Crocker, SC Dept. of Agriculture & Susan Frost, SC Dept. of Health & Environmental Control August 24, 2010

  2. Presentation Overview • This is an update on the most recent activities of the S.C. Food Policy council, which includes: • supporting a statewide Farm to School program in SC • visiting and learning more about food safety and local vegetable productions at W.P. Rawl & Sons • hosting the first Sustainable Local SC Food Systems Workshop on January 29, 2010.

  3. Mission To provide a forum for stakeholders in the food, health and agricultural sectors to: • share ideas • collaborate on solutions & research • investigate & report on the food system in SC, the sustainability of agriculture and how it affects the people of SC.

  4. SC FPC History • March 2005, steering committee formed • March 2006, first general membership meeting • The FPC serves as a forum for members to share their concerns as well as their progress on programs and initiatives that are related to the food system here in South Carolina.  • The Council reports annually to the S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture with recommendations for ways to improve and support SC Food Systems.

  5. FPC Board of Directors • Organizations represented on the Board • SC Department of Education • Clemson University • University of SC • SC School of Public Health • SC Department of Health & Environmental Control (DNPAO) • SC Farm Bureau • Anderson County Farm to School • Wil-Moore Farm • Walter P. Rawl & Sons, Inc.

  6. Farm to School • The 2009 S.C. Food Policy Council report focused on the benefits and need for a Statewide Farm to School Program in SC. • During the 2009-10 legislative session, House Bill 3179 was introduced.

  7. Local Farm to School Action • In May 2010, the SC Dept. of Education & Lexington County School District, instituted their own “Farm to School” month. • Partnership with W.P. Rawl farms, which is local in Lexington County. • USDA presence. • Everyone invited to have lunch at Pelion Elementary School.

  8. FPC Board Meeting at W.P. Rawl Farm in Pelion, SC • Tour of state of the art packing facility, led by fellow board member, Charles Wingard, family member & Director of Field Operations • Frank discussion about food safety and: • costs associated with safety precautions such as paperwork and audits involved in maintaining high food safety standards. • These trends are likely to increase in the future. • The board also discussed the future of farming and potential challenges including: • land availability (encroaching urban areas, land prices, etc) • water availability • overall increasing input costs associated with growing and harvesting high-quality, fresh produce.

  9. Sustainable Local Food Systems Workshop • January 29, 2010 – Columbia, SC • Almost 100 people registered & attended • All Local foods served to strengthen the message of Local Food Systems. • Diversity of attendees: governmental agencies, community organizations, farmers, planners, food banks, etc.

  10. Sustainability of Local Food Systems WorkshopSpeakers & Presentations • Speaker on Economic Benefits – Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of Agriculture • Speaker on Environmental Benefits – Walter Douglas, NRCS-USDA • Speaker on Health (Nutritional) Benefits - Erika Kirby, SC DHEC • Speaker on Food Safety – Susan Barefoot, Clemson University • Speaker on Food Equality/Access Issues – Darcy Freedman, Univ. of SC

  11. Sustainability of Local Food Systems WorkshopSpeakers & Presentations • Farm to School in Anderson County, SC • Institutional Dining Services– University of SC • Local Foods in School Food Service – SC Department of Education • Sustainability Practices on the Farm & in Food Processing - Charles Wingard, farmer with W.P. Rawl & Sons • Plant a Row Project • Hub City Farmers Market – Spartanburg, SC

  12. Lessons Learned from Workshop • Active involvement by Commissioner of Agriculture and other state leaders was important. • Local initiatives stimulated interest/modeling examples. • Information we take for granted was new to many participants. • The morning speakers/panel informed the afternoon discussion groups. • Local food products now an option at the conference center.

  13. Discussion Groups • Economic & Farm Sustainability • Health, Food Accessibility & Equity • Food Safety/Food Processing Challenges • Environment

  14. Expand & Diversify Marketing Increase Processing Facilities Respond to Distribution Channel Challenges Educate Leaders and Consumers about the Impact of Buying/Using Local Ag Products Keep the Farm & the Farmer in Business Increase Access & Availability to Healthy, Locally Grown Foods Create & Sustain Environmentally Friendly Farming Operations Ensure Food Safety of South Carolina Products from Farm to Consumer Recommendations from Final Report of Sustainability of Local Food Systems Workshop.

  15. Future Plans • Recommendations from the report will guide the on-going work of the FPC • Determine priorities • Identify lead organizations for priorities

  16. Thank You! • SC Food Policy Council http://agriculture.sc.gov/content.aspx?ContentID=697 • Beth Crocker bcrocker@scda.sc.gov • Susan Frost frostss@dhec.sc.gov

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