Page 14 - Sea Level 2019

S ince the rice tycoons of the 18th and 19th

centuries converted roughly 150,000 acres
of tideland into one of the most profitable
plantation crops in the world, agriculture has
been in the Lowcountry’s DNA. Despite collapse of
the American rice industry in the early 20th century
and the subsequent modernization and automation
of food production and delivery, locals in Georgetown
County still find ways to keep traditional food
commerce alive through a variety of avenues.
Waccamaw Market Cooperative, said her non-profit
Samantha Tipton, executive director of the
LOWCOUNTRY organization has experienced tremendous growth

across the Lowcountry in recent years. The co-op,
Grown in Georgetown and Horry counties and focuses on
which is supported by the Clemson Cooperative
Extension, connects local famers with seven markets

generating support for local agriculture and artisans.
While all the markets offer fresh, seasonal produce

like strawberries in the summer and sweet potatoes
in early fall, Tipton says the Georgetown marketplace
is unique because it’s in the heart of the walkable
downtown area.
by Andrew Smith “It’s a great downtown setting and many of our
customers live nearby in the historic downtown
homes,” Tipton says of the seasonal bazaar, which
operates from the first Saturday in May through the
last Saturday in October.
Across Winyah Bay, Mary Beth Pope owns and
operates two Pawleys Island gems that are committed
to providing the best of what the Lowcountry has
to offer. Her seasonal produce stand, Mary Beth’s
Sustainable Foods, is the spot for locally-grown
tomatoes, corn, and peaches.

Locally-sourced foods elevate area tables, both at home and dining out

12 | SEA LEVEL The Lachicotte Company