Tourism and agriculture both have a significant impact on South Carolina, contributing tens of billions of dollars to the state’s economy each year, and accounting for hundreds of thousands of jobs statewide. The South Carolina Chef Ambassador Program was established to create greater synergy between these two major industries and enhance the promotion of South Carolina as a culinary destination by showcasing the state’s culinary talent, creative recipes, authentic cuisine, locally-grown products and unique destinations.Every year, a Chef Ambassador is selected from the state’s four regions: the Upstate, Midlands, Pee Dee, and the Lowcountry. Each Chef Ambassador’s professional creativity and personal style is contributed to an ongoing effort to promote the state’s authentic culinary experiences and encourage the incorporation of buying local into every day meal planning – all while bringing a taste of the Palmetto State to dinner tables across the state and increasing demand for the best of what South Carolina has to offer.The Chef Ambassadors work closely with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) and South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) by attending and participating in a variety of public events, performing cooking demonstrations, taking part in educational discussions on establishing healthy eating habits for children, and showcasing the best of South Carolina’s bounty in both agriculture and tourism.
Photo by Andrew Cebulka courtesy of Charleston Wine + Food.