Project Victory Gardens - Internship Program

Training is intended to prepare participants with the skills, knowledge, and abilities to seek self employment in the agribusiness fields, gain employment among South Carolina’s vast agribusiness industry, or encourage further formal instruction in agriculture in preparation for a career for agricultural education or extension work. Participants will be vetted togain a better understanding of their end goals and matched to the program that fits their needs. All participants will participatein training in farm safety, agribusiness planning, horticulture, poultry, livestock, and regulatory requirements. Other available modules will include forestry, cattle production, beekeeping, and commercial crops. Due to the variety of positions in the agribusiness field, there is not a “one-size fits all” solution and participants will drive the course of training offered.

Farmers can specialize in different agricultural sectors, providing food, animal products and raw materials. A farmer is an agricultural professional who raises living animals or plants. They may produce raw materials, food or animal products. Theycan specialize in different agricultural areas such as dairy or flowers. Extension Agents are employed by land-grant universities and serve the citizens of that particular state by serving as an expert or teacher on a topic relating to economics,community development, agriculture, family, animal production, diet and nutrition. Agricultural business managers oversee thebusiness operations of a farm by providing leadership and organization during the production process. From contacting creditors to selecting seeds for the planting season and buying new farming equipment, it is their responsibility to ensure that the production and distribution of produce, grain or livestock abides by government and environmental regulations at the bestrate of profit. They may have a number of duties, including selecting and supervising workers, planning a budget, organizing routine maintenance, keeping records and communicating with potential product buyers. Agricultural business managersusually specialize in crops, horticulture or livestock, and these workers may oversee more than one facility.

No additional prerequisites.

In order to reach the most participants across South Carolina and offer areas of focus in line with their goals, we have created a consortium of host farms, Extension Offices, and agribusinesses across the state. Prospective participants will be interviewed by Palmetto Veterans in Agribusiness program managers to place them on vetted host farms or partner Extension Offices. All participants and hosts will have a bi-weekly check-in by phone or Zoom with Matt and the final week of interviews and assessments for all participants will take place at Project Victory Gardens.