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Farm Crawl draws 1,000 visitors and launches Homegrown magazine in Oconee County
Summary
Organizer Christie Carlton told the Ag Board the May 16 Farm Crawl showcased 24 farms, attracted about 1,000 visitors from 69 cities across 11 states, and produced a new local magazine, Homegrown (2,000 copies) and a fall Farm Crawl planned for Sept. 19.
Christie Carlton told the Oconee County Agricultural Advisory Board that the May 16 Farm Crawl was a visible success for local agriculture and tourism, drawing roughly 1,000 visitors who toured 24 participating local farms.
Carlton said the event brought visitors from 69 cities across 11 states and received positive reviews from both farmers and guests. To promote local agriculture year-round she announced Homegrown, a new county-focused magazine featuring local farms, makers and businesses; organizers printed 2,000 copies distributed at 22 locations around the county and at the South Carolina welcome center.
Carlton said the magazine and related outreach — including a revived Think Oconee podcast — are part of a broader effort with local partners including the Chamber of Commerce, the Oconee Economic Alliance and Visit Oconee to market the county’s agricultural and small-business assets. She also reported a small farmer survey on ordinances and land-protection concerns was compiled and sent to the planning commission to inform their work on development standards.
Carlton announced the fall Farm Crawl will be held Sept. 19, with four new farms joining the route and tickets going on sale Aug. 3. Board members praised the event’s organization and reach; one member reported visiting five farms and described them as “impressive and welcoming.”
