By Frank Giles
Editor’s Note: This article is part of a series featuring state marketing programs in the Southeast.
South Carolina is home to a diverse array of specialty crop growers. Those growers have access to a marketing program called Certified South Carolina to help promote their products and bring exposure to their farms.
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture administers the program. Program Manager Grace Heins encourages growers to learn more about Certified South Carolina and become a member.
“This program allows you to leverage resources and partnerships from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to promote your products effectively,” Heins says. “It is important to note that growers of all sizes — big and small — benefit from the program. We have farmers that grow on less than an acre, and some that have more peach trees than the entire state of Georgia.”
Member Benefits
One of the primary benefits is being able to associate your product with the recognized Certified South Carolina logo and brand. Survey results show that 85% of South Carolinians recognize the logo.
“I think the consistent support we receive from the state legislature and the public has helped growers trust and rely on the program,” Heins says. “They feel comfortable investing in packaging and marketing using the Certified South Carolina logo, as they know it will amplify their own efforts and will still be around in a few years.”
The program also provides access to promotional tools such as signage and other materials that highlight a grower’s connection to South Carolina’s agriculture community.
Members can build connections with other farmers, chefs, retailers and consumers through Certified South Carolina events and programs.
“Each February, you can find us participating in the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in Charleston, where we feature chefs and the farmers whose products they use, plus a variety of specialty product vendors,” Heins says. “Throughout the year, we work to turn a spotlight on locally grown foods at wine and food festivals across the state in Columbia, Florence, Greenville and Charleston.
“We also host the annual Certified South Carolina Showcase. This event is a great opportunity for members to network, attend educational workshops and panels, and participate in a trade show to connect with wholesale and retail buyers. We will also be relaunching the certifiedsc.com website in 2026 to help consumers more effectively connect with South Carolina producers.”
Eligibility and Participation
Heins says signing up for the program is easy. It is free to join and is open to growers, producers, harvesters and product makers in the state of South Carolina.
“We have a variety of members that include crop growers, ranchers, fishermen, value-added product makers, brewers, etc. All members must be in compliance with state and federal regulations and policies,” she says. “Interested growers are encouraged to download our application found on our website (certifiedsc.com), fill out the form and return it to me. Since 2007, the Certified South Carolina program has grown to about 2,300 members.”
Related Programs
Heins says program extensions and connections to other programs have helped Certified South Carolina grow.
“Part of what makes Certified South Carolina unique is its sister program of Fresh on the Menu,” she says. “Restaurants and chefs who join Fresh on the Menu commit to sourcing at least 25% Certified South Carolina products. The program is an additional incentive for chefs to work with local producers and helps open markets for growers.”
A newer program, Certified South Carolina Cafeteria, aims to connect local growers with state school lunch programs. Read more about that from South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers (Clint-link to Last Word column).
Click here to see video as part of the digital component of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine.