dirt works - Lowcountry Local First

Lowcountry Local First established the Eat Local Initiative
as a vehicle to educate the public on and promote the
local food system as well as train new farmers and
food system leaders. The initiative consists of three
programs that serve beginner farmers with varying levels
of experience and includes the Growing New Farmers
Program, Dirt Works Incubator Farm, and Farm Services.
GROWING NEW FARMERS
PROGRAM
DIRT WORKS
INCUBATOR FARM
FARM
SERVICES
6-month Certificate in Sustainable
Agriculture program with both
classroom and field training plus
workshops, field trips, and mentor
matching services.
3-year applied program providing
land, infrastructure, mentorship, and
training for up to four farmers.
Farmers at all stages in their operation
as well as agricultural professionals are
provided with support, workshops, resources,
and a regional listserv. Incubated farmers
are provided with assistance in identifying
and securing land for agricultural business.
DIRT WORKS
INCUBATOR FARM
GOAL
To assist new and beginning farmers
in overcoming the barriers to owning
their own farm operations through
affordable access to land,
equipment, infrastructure,
training, mentorship,
and community.
DIRT WORKS
INCUBATOR FARM
The Dirt Works Incubator Farm was developed for new and beginning farmers (10
years of experience or less) ready to launch their new farm businesses and is the
first and only incubator farm in South Carolina. The program is designed for farmers
passionate about growing their operations in South Carolina using sustainable
production techniques and focused on growing vegetables and fruits for market.
Currently, the farm is comprised of a packing facility, a teaching farm and acreage
for up to 4 Incubator Farm operations. Dirt Works is located in the heart of rural
Johns Island, conveniently located 20 miles from the City of Charleston, providing
the perfect bridge between these communities.
DIRT WORKS PROVIDES:
• Lease for 1 acre of arable land with
mainline irrigation, renewable for up to
three years
• Three years of business and production
support with full-time farm manager
• Weekly scheduled check-ins with farm
manager
• Packing facilities with washing and pack
stations, storage racks, scales, and walk-in
cooler with two zones
• Access to Kubota L3901 with front loader
(training provided as needed by farm
manager)
• Shared access to three point disc harrow,
tool w/ 3’ bedder or sweeps, cultivator, bush
hog, tiller, compost spreader and basket
weeder
• Shipping container for tools/dry storage
• Two wells with pumps and mainline
irrigation
• Greenhouse
• Restroom facilities
• Annual Membership to Lowcountry Local
First and access to extensive Farm Services
PARTICIPANTS MUST PROVIDE:
•
•
•
•
•
$500,000 liability insurance coverage
Seed, fertilizer and drip tape
Soil building practices
Transportation and housing
Outlet for produce
LOWCOUNTRYLOCALFIRST.ORG
INTERESTED IN FARMING?
Applications are considered on a rolling basis and annual
leases are renewed for up to 3 years. Interested parties
are encouraged to apply to be added to the waiting list to
ensure application is reviewed as space becomes available.
COST: $2,000 year one program fee, made in monthly
payments that are automatically withdrawn. Fees will
increase annually by $1,000 ($2,000/$3,000/$4,000).
TO APPLY, CONTACT:
[email protected] or call (843) 740-5444