South Carolina SARE Program Annual Open Forum on Sustainable Agriculture

You’re invited to the annual Open Forum on Sustainable Agriculture to discuss critical issues, challenges, and needs related to sustainable agriculture development in South Carolina. The meeting is open to all South Carolina farmers, educators, policy makers, state and federal government and non-governmental agricultural agency personnel, and other South Carolina citizens with an interest in sustainable agriculture. Input from this public meeting will be used to prioritize critical issues and needs and to formulate plans for statewide sustainable agriculture training and education programs in 2026.

The Open Forum meeting will be held on March 4 at the Lake House at Sandhill Research and Education Center on Clemson Rd. in Columbia, SC.

There is no fee to attend the Open Forum meeting, which will begin at 9:30 AM. An optional lunch featuring local foods can be added during registration. Lunch is $15. To facilitate space and meal arrangements, advance registration is required. Please see registration instructions below. [Advisory Committee Members, please register using the link provided in a separate communication.]

AGENDA
2026 Open Forum on Sustainable Agriculture

8:45 - 9:30: Check in (Coffee and refreshments served)

9:30 - 9:40: Introduction and Welcome (Dr. John Andrae & Dr. Joshua Idassi, SC SARE State Program Coordinators)

9:40 - 10:15: Who’s in the room? (Individuals and organizational representatives will have an opportunity to briefly discuss new or ongoing initiatives)

10:15 - 10:35: Review of 2025 programs and accomplishments

10:35 - 11:35: Facilitated Discussion: Issues relating to sustainable agriculture in South Carolina. Where should we put program resources in 2026?

11:35 - 11:45: Break

11:45 - 12:30: Prioritization of education and outreach needs

12:30 PM: Adjourn Open Forum

12:30 -1:30: Local Foods Lunch

Info: (Dr. John Andrae & Dr. Joshua Idassi, SC SARE State Program Coordinators)

Info: (Individuals and organizational representatives will have an opportunity to briefly discuss new or ongoing initiatives)

Info: (Where should we put program resources in 2026? )

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Lake House at Sandhill REC, 900 Clemson Road, Columbia, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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