About Us

The story behind the Gullah Farmers’ Cooperative Association

Our Story

The Gullah Farmers’ Cooperative Association was founded in 2010.

We are a collective of small-scale farmers rooted in the rich cultural traditions of St. Helena Island and the surrounding Lowcountry.

Established by Gullah farmers from Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, Charleston, Jasper, and Johns Island, the co-op was created to address the limited market access faced by Black farmers and to preserve the agricultural practices passed down through generations.

This facility enables rapid produce processing and distribution—within 48 hours—to a wide range of regional buyers including schools, hospitals, restaurants, grocery stores, and food banks across the Carolinas and Georgia.

Beyond agriculture, the Gullah Farmers’ Cooperative Association plays a vital role in preserving the cultural and economic resilience of the Gullah Geechee community, ensuring that the land, labor, and legacy of these farmers continue to thrive for generations to come.

The cooperative serves as both an economic engine and a cultural steward—helping member farms market their produce fairly while sustaining the unique farming legacy of the Gullah people. Their work is deeply connected to land, history, and community, emphasizing crops like okra, sweet potatoes, and other traditional staples.

In May 2021, with strong support from the USDA, Beaufort County, and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, the co-op opened a state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot processing facility in the renovated Leroy E. Browne Services Center on St. Helena Island.

Our Vision

We envision uplifting communities by increasing access to nutritious, farm-fresh produce, promoting healthier lifestyles for all

Our Mission

The Gullah Co-op sources and distributes high-quality, local produce to wholesale markets across the Carolinas and Georgia.

Our Values

We are committed to exceeding expectations and take intense pride in everything we do, every day.

Our Team

Vernita Dore
Executive Director

Vernite F. Dore, a native Beaufortonian, had dedicated her life to serving others. Dore is the former United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary for Operations and Management. She brings more than 30 years of experience in the economic development of rural communities. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Dore also served as State Director of Rural Development. In this position she significantly increased economic opportunity and improved the quality of life for rural Americans by addressing the needs of communities in housing, water and environmental infrastructure, broadband and telecommunications. During her tenure, she spearheaded the delivery of all agency products resulting in nearly $6 billion dollars invested in rural communities in South Carolina.

Justin Fields
Operations Manager

Joe Justin Fields brings a unique blend of discipline, heart, and hands-on experience to his role as Operations Manager. A proud U.S. Air Force veteran with six years in Security Forces, Joe is known for his unwavering work ethic, positive outlook, and deep-rooted commitment to service—qualities he now channels into his leadership role at the Gullah Co-op.

Raised with a respect for the land, Joe’s early memories of helping his grandfather farm sparked a lifelong passion for agriculture and community. Today, he serves as a key liaison between farmers and the distribution team, ensuring that fresh, high-quality produce flows seamlessly from farm to table. He works closely with growers to align harvest schedules, maintain delivery timelines, and promote best practices in food safety and handling.

Highly organized and solutions-driven, Joe oversees logistics, monitors product quality, and ensures compliance with rigorous standards. Whether he’s reviewing documentation, streamlining supply chain processes, or providing supportive feedback to producers, Joe approaches each task with integrity and a can-do attitude.

A family man and lifelong learner, Joe values teamwork, clear communication, and the power of local food systems to bring communities together. His leadership reflects a simple principle: serve well, work hard, and lift others along the way.

Walter Mack
Administrative Director & Grants

Walter Mack was born on St. Helena Island, SC, and is a lifelong resident who still resides on land his family bought in the late 1800’s. He graduated from St. Helena High School and obtained a Bachelor of Science from Benedict College, followed by a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University.

He was employed by Beaufort-Japser Comprehensive Health as a Medical Technologist for nine years. In 1985, he began working at Penn Center where he remained for twenty-six years, retiring as Executive Director after serving in that role for the final eight years.

In 2010, Walter became one of the founding board members of the Gullah Farmers Cooperative and continues to serve as its Administrative Director and Grants Manager. A sustainable farmer, he specializes in heirloom varieties and raises goats for meat sales. He is a strong advocate for small farmers and served three elected terms on the Farm Service Agency (FSA), including two terms as chair. In 1996, he received the Marshal E. Foster Award from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture for his efforts in supporting small farmers.

A dedicated conservationist, Walter also served on the Beaufort County Rural and Critical Lands Preservation Board, including two terms as chair, helping to protect and preserve thousands of acres from development and urban sprawl.

Leigh Moss
Sales and Marketing

Leigh Moss serves as Sales and Marketing Manager for the Gullah Farmers Cooperative and is proud to help amplify the voices and products of Gullah farmers across the Lowcountry. Leigh has called Beaufort, South Carolina home for the past ten years, after relocating from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she and her husband raised their family.

Drawn to South Carolina by its warm climate and even warmer culture, Leigh quickly fell in love with the rich heritage of the region. “From the food to the traditions, the influence of the Gullah people is deeply woven into daily life—you can’t visit a local restaurant without tasting it. It’s an honor to now be part of that community and to support its legacy through sustainable agriculture and cooperative growth.”

Alfreda Morrison
Operations Assistant

Alfreda P. Morrison was born and raised on St. Helena Island. Upon retiring and returning to St. Helena Island, Ms Alfreda missed working in a fast-paced environment and brought her strong organizational and interpersonal skills to the Gullah Co-op. She keeps everything humming at the Co-op and oversees training, operational and workflow management, administrative and clerical duties. When not at the Co-op, Ms. Alfreda enjoys reading, gardening, crocheting and being outdoors!

Myron Bolles
Assistant Operations Manager

Myron Bolles was born and raised on a farm on St. Helena Island, South Carolina. He is married and the proud father of four children. The eighth of twelve siblings, Myron learned the values of hard work, faith, and community from an early age. A graduate of Beaufort High School, Class of 1985, Myron enjoys cooking, fishing, farming, and listening to music.

As Assistant Operations Manager at the Gullah Co-Op, Myron plays a key role in coordinating daily operations, supporting staff, and ensuring the timely pickup and delivery of fresh produce from local farmers. He values the Co-Op’s strong sense of teamwork and community spirit, and credits its success to the dedication of its employees and their shared belief in putting God first in all things.
Myron is especially passionate about connecting with people and strengthening relationships between farmers, customers, and the broader community. His leadership reflects his deep commitment to service, collaboration, and the preservation of Gullah culture and traditions.

Tyrone Johnson
Transportation and Logistics

Tyrone Johnson was born and raised on St. Helena Island, is a proud graduate of Beaufort High School and devoted father of four boys. Alongside his wife, he owns and operates Gullah Express, a popular local food truck that celebrates authentic Gullah cuisine and Lowcountry flavors. As Transportation and Logistics Coordinator, Tyrone oversees the movement of agricultural products, supplies, and equipment for the co-op. This role ensures timely, cost-effective, and safe transportation of goods from farms to storage, processing facilities, and customers. Tyrone also manages vehicle scheduling, routing, compliance, and coordination with suppliers, growers, and distributors.

Brooke Brunson
Special Projects Manager

Brooke Brunson serves as Special Projects Manager, where she is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Gullah community and its cultural heritage. A longtime resident of St. Helena Island, she has lived here since high school and remains deeply connected to the people and traditions that shape the island’s identity. As Special projects manager Brooke works to advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Gullah Farm Cooperative.
This position is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing projects that support the cooperative’s vision. Brooke manages initiatives that improve member engagement and community development goals through outreach, communication and educational programming.

Board of Directors