2 Lexington County Agribusinesses Garner Grants for Exceptional Industry Innovation

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship (ACRE) has awarded $200,000 in grants to 12 businesses across the state as part of its Advanced Entrepreneurship program. Lexington County is fortunate to have two businesses included in this prestigious lineup.

Grant Recipients and Their Inspiring Endeavours

Crossroads Processing was founded in Leesville, Lexington County, in 2022. Initially concentrating on deer processing, the business quickly expanded its operations to include processing a variety of meats, including livestock, in a bid to address the unmet needs in the local market. Crossroads aims to increase direct-to-consumer processing, enhance local meat processing infrastructure, and bridge the gap between farmers and consumers.

Heartworks Farm, also based in Lexington County, is an intriguing specialty crop farm. The farm produces a selection of crops, including tomatoes, microgreens, and cut flowers. Its owners have ambitious plans for the grant funding, including the construction of a multifunctional packing and processing building. This facility would feature a devoted processing area, cold storage capabilities, and a flexible space capable of hosting educational workshops and farm events.

Supporting Industry Innovators

“Every year, I’m impressed by the creativity, drive, and diversity of the entrepreneurs who compete as part of our ACRE Advanced Entrepreneurship program,” stated ACRE Executive Director Kyle Player. With such a dynamic and varied group of awardees, the program is bound to make substantial contributions to the South Carolina agribusiness sector.

ACRE was established in 2018 with an explicit goal to identify, support, and nurture novel ideas and businesses operating within South Carolina’s vibrant agribusiness sector. The center collaborates with Clemson Extension to provide a tailored curriculum program during the fall. This program trains and mentors budding agricultural entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to seek advanced award funding. Anyone interested in learning more about this beneficial initiative is encouraged to visit their official website.

By proactively developing these innovative businesses, the ACRE Advanced Entrepreneurship program is investing in the future of agribusiness in Lexington County and the broader South Carolina region. HERE News Network congratulates both Lexington-based businesses on their grant success and their forward-thinking approach to agribusiness innovation.