A Columbia native is using her women-led farm to educate her local community on how to successfully garden in the Midlands area.
For seven generations, Sal’s family has lived and grown fresh fruit and vegetables on the land her farm currently sits on. At her business, Sal’s Ol’ Timey Feed & Seed, Sal shares her passion for gardening with the people who visit.
“I grew up learning all these things and I love sharing what I know with people,” she said.
Fifty-one percent of farms in the U.S. reported being woman-led in 2019 , according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. At her business, Sal’s sells plants, seeds and produce.
She participated in SCCLF’s Feeding Innovation program and was awarded the second place $10,000 seed capital prize for having a strong investment pitch and business plan.
Feeding Innovation increases access to healthy food while supporting the development of strong, local entrepreneurs and community-based businesses. Find out more about the program.
Sal is using the award to build a greenhouse for her farm. The greenhouse will allow her to continue to help the community with their garden needs and to meet the demand for plants. Currently, the demand exceeds the space she has.
“This has helped us with being closer to securing our greenhouse,” said Sal. “I am grateful and so excited about continuing to serve my community.