AgFirst backs Spartanburg Community College’s horticulture pavilion renovation

AgFirst is investing in the future of agriculture through a new partnership with Spartanburg Community College’s horticulture program, helping provide students with the hands-on experience needed to succeed in the industry. 

The bank donated $10,000 to support the college’s horticulture pavilion renovation project, one of the most comprehensive projects the school’s horticultural department has undertaken. This project gave students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. The final phase of the project included grading, irrigation installation, sod and landscape bed planting, construction of a dry-stack stone wall and installation of a large paver patio. 

More than a campus improvement project, the renovation serves as a living classroom where students gain practical, industry-relevant experience. Through projects like this, students develop relevant skills and problem-solving abilities that prepare them to transition directly into careers in landscaping, greenhouse management, turfgrass maintenance and sustainable plant production. 

“Without AgFirst’s support, this project would not exist,” said Jay Moore, School of Horticulture Department Chair. “These funds took the burden of having to search for outside funding, making our jobs easier so we could focus on teaching horticulture and giving students hands-on experiences.” 

Spartanburg Community College’s horticulture program is known for its strong emphasis on hands-on, workforce-focused education. Students receive training in plant identification, landscape design, irrigation, pest management and horticultural technology, helping meet the growing demand for skilled professionals across South Carolina’s agriculture and green industries. 

AgFirst’s support reflects the bank’s continued commitment to strengthening agriculture by investing in education and workforce development, building on existing partnerships with the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture and Piedmont Technical College’s Diversified Agriculture program.

By forming partnerships with institutions like Spartanburg Community College, we’re helping more students gain meaningful experience before entering the workforce and building a stronger future for agriculture in South Carolina.