Farm to Table

A cornerstone of our area’s “locally grown” community is Lowcountry Local First (LLF). LLF’s sustainable agriculture initiative focuses on strengthening local farms and producers by creating partnerships with local restaurants, institutions, and the community. LLF envisions a strong regional food system that incorporates a diversity of rural farms and a robust urban farming component, one that preserves ecosystems, reduces pollution, promotes social justice, provides environmental education, and invigorates rural and urban economies. By bringing producers and consumers to the same table LLF promotes a close connection between consumers and those who grow and raise food.

LLF (lowcountrylocalfirst.org) maintains that buying locally grown food and supporting the restaurants, grocers, and events that support it is beneficial for everyone involved. And locally grown foods seem to just taste better! In addition to local blessings of climate, stellar scenery, and vibrant culture, Lowcountry residents are fortunate to have access to a wonderful variety of indigenous produce, grains, meats, and seafood. Throughout all seasons there is an abundance of locally grown and produced food items to enjoy. Even in the colder months, there are many items available: arugula, beets, Brussel sprouts, a variety of greens, turnips and rutabagas; as well as poultry and shellfish.

Another local organization that underscores the benefits of local product consumption is a chapter of the international Slow Food movement. Slow Food Charleston works at the grassroots level to help residents reconnect with the foods that are indigenous to the region and the people who produce and prepare them. Through events like farm picnics and restaurant tastings; programs like the Charleston Area Children’s Garden Project; and special initiatives like “Eat the Lionfish,” the organization advocates for a slower, sustainable approach to food and life. Read more about their activities and events at slowfoodcharleston.org.

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture leads a comprehensive statewide program to highlight SC-grown products and the people who work with them. The relatively new program is a dynamic cooperative effort among producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers and the SCDA to brand and promote SC products. The goal is for consumers to be able to easily identify, find and buy local products. The ‘Certified South Carolna Grown’ website, certifiedscgrown.com, is a robust resource where you will find information on all types of products, producers, retailers, events, supporting organizations, farmers markets, and more.

Clearly local residents and businesses alike are riding the wave of interest in local products. Over the last decade the number and variety of high quality local products has increased exponentially. Availability has grown from a limited specialty store niche to widespread prevalence in grocery stores, restaurants, farmer’s markets, and specialty food businesses. “Locally grown is not longer just a trend; it is a key consumer (demand) that all of the businesses involved are addressing, with different degrees of success.