COMMISSIONER WEATHERS RALLIES SUPPORT FOR NEW PALMETTOVORE MOVEMENT

News Date June 15, 2009

Certified South Carolina Grown fruits and vegetables rallied May 20 at the South Carolina State House along with SC Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh E. Weathers and other state and industry leaders to introduce a new movement, Palmettovore, that encourages South Carolinians to purchase and consume only produce and products grown and processed in South Carolina.

            While the name may be new, Palmettovore is a tried and true concept. In other parts of the United States, people who participate in this lifestyle are referred to as Locavores, and their numbers are growing rapidly across the country. While Locavores eat food grown within 100 miles of where they live, Palmettovores have a somewhat more refined geographical preference for Certified SC Grown produce and products from the Palmetto State.

            Commissioner Weathers addressed the audience explaining the benefits of eating and buying locally and what it means to be a Palmettovore. “Eating the Palmettovore way is fresher and healthier, reduces our carbon footprint since food travels a shorter distance, and helps support our local farmers, which contributes to South Carolina’s agribusiness industry and overall economy,” said Weathers. “As the Palmettovore movement grows, it will support sustainable, local food production, processing and distribution networks that reach supermarkets and restaurants statewide.”

            Certified SC Grown fruits and vegetables were on site carrying signs with slogans such as “Home Grown and Proud” and “Eat Local, Be A Palmettovore”. Spokesman of the group, Tom Tomato, took the podium to discuss why they are very concerned about being underemployed due to South Carolinians not choosing to purchase and consume Certified SC Grown produce and products. “We need work. We are tired of being passed over by the people that could help us the most as South Carolinians.” To further their cause, Tom Tomato and his friends are starring in their own documentary that is currently featured on palmettovore.org. (Contact: Becky Walton at 803-734-2182)