ANDERSON, SC - More than seventy attendees turned out for the inaugural Upstate Agricultural Summit at the Civic Center of Anderson on January 4-5. Dr. Jim Horne (pictured) of Oklahoma’s Kerr Center gave the opening address on Friday evening. The Summit was sponsored by Anderson County, AgSouth, Clemson’s Sustainable Agriculture Project, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA), Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, and the SC Power Team. The purpose of the conference was to bring local farmers, school personnel, local and state government entities, agriculture agencies and business together to prepare for the future of the upstate community food system.

“Everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from participates in agriculture everyday,” said Anderson County Councilman Ron Wilson. “Eating is a necessary function and it is an act of agriculture. This Summit laid a fertile foundation for the future of Anderson County farmers to prosper by staying on the cutting edge of new techniques, as well as networking with each other. This is a tremendous first step in what is sure to be a long process to see these initiatives to fruition.”

“Anderson County is at the forefront of the sustainable agriculture movement in SC,” said Anderson County Administrator Joey R. Preston. “Since our County is inextricably rooted in agriculture, it is fitting that we take a leadership role in the future of our food system.”

Various speakers addressed new techniques in farming, school preparation of fresh, local produce, issues in food distribution, the need to educate farmers on available opportunities, as well as reaching legislators with the importance of their support in sustainable agriculture initiatives.

Preston also added that he was enthusiastic about the possibility of hosting the December 2008 Carolina Farm Stewardship Conference. The County presented a proposal to CFSA Executive Director Roland McReynolds and attending board members on Saturday afternoon following the Summit. A decision is anticipated sometime toward the end of February. The conference is expected to draw approximately 700 attendees.

*Anderson County cooperated with many agencies during this endeavor, many which will be long-standing partners in pursuing the County’s initiatives in sustainable agriculture. Attached is a brief description of the SC Field Office’s National Agricultural Statistics Service survey. This year’s census, “Your Voice, Your Future, Your Responsibility,” will affect the future of agriculture. Included are links to the online survey web site.

2008 National Agriculture Statistics Service Census
“Your Voice, Your Future, Your Responsibility”

The 2007 Census of Agriculture mailed to about 50,000 South Carolina farmers on December 27, 2007. The Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years and measures the agricultural infrastructure of the United States. The Census of Agriculture contains official county, state, and national level statistics on every commodity produced in the United States. In addition, this is the only comprehensive report on agricultural demographics, economics, and production practices. The Census includes both large and small farmers, common and unique agricultural products, modern and traditional production practices, old and young farmers, both men and women.

The theme of this year's Census is "Your Voice, Your Future, Your Responsibility". The Census is the voice for all farmers as its data is used by everybody including federal, state and local governments, universities, private industry, and farmers themselves. The future of agriculture will be affected by this data in many ways, such as deciding the location of USDA Service Centers, the number of county agents funded, location of equipment stores, etc. For example, the dollars sent to South Carolina for the new USDA Small Farmer program will equal the total federal budget allocation divided by the number of small farmers in South Carolina. If farmers don't report, then the money coming to South Carolina will not meet our needs.

All farmers have a responsibility to report on the Census because they are the only people who know what is really happening in agriculture. Who else will stand up and talk for farmers if the farmers aren't willing to talk for themselves? The data reported on the Census is protected by the strictest laws of confidentiality in the United States. Because the Census of Agriculture is so important, reporting is required by law. However, the same law protects the individual data from any and all private and government entities, including the IRS, lawsuits, and the Freedom of Information Act.

Farmers must complete and mail Census forms by February 4, 2008.

The official USDA definition of a farm is:
"Any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold ."

The following link can be used to make sure you are counted or farmers can call our toll-free help number: 1 (888) 424-7828.

Link to Make Sure you Are Counted: https://www.agcounts.usda.gov/cgi-bin/counts.

Contact:
Rhonda Brandt, Director
South Carolina Field Office

USDA - National Agricultural Statistics Service
telephone: (803) 765-5333
email: rhonda_brandt@nass.usda.gov