CLEMSON — The charitable organization Farm Aid is working with Clemson University Extension and other organizations to distribute grants to farmers affected by this year’s flooding.
Additionally, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers led the creation of Plant It Forward SC, a flood relief fund for farmers.
Plant it Forward SC is an initiative by S.C. Advocates for Agriculture with support from the S.C. Department of Agriculture, Clemson University, S.C. Farm Bureau and Palmetto AgriBusiness Council. Information on donating or receiving funds is available online at www.plantitforwardsc.org.
Farm Aid activated its Family Farm Disaster Fund to aid in the immediate relief effort for South Carolina farmers afflicted by flood and has raised more than $15,000 in emergency assistance so far.
Every dollar raised will support farmers who have experienced damages due to flooding and strengthen local and national farm organizations that can provide the resources and expertise that farmers need to recover, Farm Aid said.
“Our hearts go out to the South Carolina farmers who saw their precious crops washed away by rushing waters,” said Farm Aid’s farm advocate Jennie Msall. “We understand both the financial and emotional toll that disasters, such as this, can have on an individual. That is why we are proud to join in the relief effort to help South Carolina family farmers rebuild their farms and livelihoods so they can get back to the important work they do for all of us.”
Farm Aid is working with several regional and national organizations that are on the ground with farmers in South Carolina to distribute emergency grants to farm families affected by flooding and to develop resources that help farmers navigate their farm recovery options, from mental health resources to federal funding opportunities.
Other organizations working with Farm Aid include Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, Farmers Legal Action Group, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, GrowFood Carolina, Lowcountry Local First, RAFI-USA and Sustainable Midlands.
Farmers who have been affected by the extreme rainfall and flooding in South Carolina, should contact Farm Aid at 1-800-FARM-AID (800-327-6243) or farmhelp@farmaid.org. Additional resources are available at www.farmaid.org/disaster. To donate, visit www.farmaid.org/SC.