SOUTH CAROLINA - The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) recently announced that the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe will establish a new ag program called the Eubanks Farm. It was created in memory of Martin Eubanks, the former Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA), who passed away in January 2020 and served the SCDA for a total of 33 years. The SEPC encourages supporters to donate to the nonprofit Advocates for Agriculture, which will fund infrastructure, equipment, and operating costs for the Eubanks Farm.
“Martin Eubanks was very instrumental in forming the SEPC. The vision of creating a platform where buyers from the Southeastern states could connect with fresh produce shippers from all regions and create a consistent supply for customers in our marketing area, as well as bring buyers from other regions to connect with Southeastern growers, was the driving force of the founders of this organization,” David Sherrod, President and Chief Executive Officer of SEPC, said in a statement obtained by ANUK. “Martin was a tremendous asset in making many of those early connections by bringing in both the growers and buyers that became our charter members. I am proud to be able to contribute seed money to help start the Eubanks Farm to honor the legacy of our dear friend. I applaud the SCDA and Commissioner Hugh Weathers for their work in this great honor for Martin.”
As stated in the SEPC’s release, this on-campus commercial fruit and vegetable operation will provide hands-on horticulture experience for students to prepare them for a future career in the produce industry through the use of state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
John de la Howe is a recently re-established high school for agriculture, accepting students from all over South Carolina and neighboring states. The school will focus on providing unique and challenging agricultural education utilizing its 1,310 acres of forest and farmland.
“Martin was part of the original group who was instrumental to the Council as they planted the seeds which became the SEPC,” Harold Paivarinta, Chairman of the Board at SEPC, and Director of Sales and Business Development at Red Sun Farms, said to ANUK. “Through his engagement and passion to our great industry, Martin saw the Council grow and prosper to the level it has achieved thus far. It’s only fitting the SEPC demonstrates our appreciation to Martin, the entire Eubanks family, and the SCDA through our support in the establishment of the Eubanks Farm.”
To make a donation to the Eubanks Farm Memorial Fund, make checks payable to SC Advocates for Agriculture - Eubanks Farm, and mail to 901 Main Street, Suite 1225, Colombia, South Carolina, 29201.
