South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Stephanie Sox, 803-734-2196, ssox@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 20, 2017

6^th Annual Commissioner’s Cup BBQ Cook-off and Festival Returns to State Farmers Market

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The 6th Annual Commissioner’s Cup BBQ Cook-off and Festival, one of the Midlands most anticipated annual events, returns this year Saturday, March 25 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the State Farmers Market in West Columbia.

Sanctioned by the Southern BBQ Network, over 40 cook teams from across the Southeast will compete for the State Championship title and other top prizes. A family-friendly event, the public is invited to enjoy live music on the South Carolina Farm Bureau music stage provided by Going Commando Band, an antique tractor exhibit, children’s activities, and a variety of BBQ taste samples, while supplies last. In addition to the samples, BBQ plates will be available for purchase from the It’s A Matter of Taste food truck. And to satisfy your sweet tooth, try a specialty donut from the Donut Man or hand-churned ice cream.

“We’re looking forward to the cook-off and festival,” said Hugh Weathers, SC Commissioner of Agriculture. “As a result of the event’s growing popularity, we’re anticipating over 3,500 attendees this year. It’s truly becoming a Midlands tradition.”

A public event, admission is $5 per person. Children ages 12 and under get in for free with three canned goods for Harvest Hope. Boxes will be on site during the festival for canned good donations.

The State Farmers Market is located at 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia. For more information, visit agriculture.sc.gov or contact Elizabeth Wood at 803-734-0328 or ewood@scda.sc.gov.

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6th Annual Commissioner’s Cup BBQ Cook-Off and Festival Returns to SFM Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Stephanie Sox, 803-734-2196, ssox@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 20, 2017

Freezing Temperatures Devastate South Carolina Farmers

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Last week, temperatures dipped to record lows and now South Carolina peach farmers face the worst crop damage they have seen in ten years. Strawberries and blueberries were among other crops damaged during the freeze.

Members of the South Carolina Peach Council and other industry representatives met Monday morning to discuss the severity of the damage to the peach crop, which was in early bloom due to an unseasonably warm winter. Farmers are hopeful to have ten to fifteen percent of their usual crop. Peach-lovers can still expect to see local peaches in July and August in limited quantities. Statewide, strawberries have experienced about a fifteen percent loss. Midland and Upstate blueberry farmers are reporting significant loss, similar to that of peaches. Information is still being gathered from blueberry farms in the lower part of the state.

“Peaches are a signature South Carolina crop, and this weather anomaly has devastated peach farmers,” said Hugh Weathers, SC Commissioner of Agriculture. “However, as South Carolina farmers have shown time and again, they are resilient and with the help of allied-industry partners, they will survive this devastating blow.”

The freeze will impact more than just the fruit. Peach farms are major economic drivers in rural communities and support over 1500 jobs statewide. Farmers are still assessing the damage and do not expect to know the total impact of the freeze for at least three weeks.

South Carolina is the largest peach producing state on the east coast and is second only to California nationally. The annual peach crop has a value of $90 million with a $300 million economic impact. For more information about peaches and other specialty crops, visit agriculture.sc.gov.

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Freezing Temperatures Devastate SC Farmers Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Stephanie Sox, 803-734-2196, ssox@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 27, 2017

State Barbecue Champion Named at the Commissioner’s Cup BBQ Cook-off and Festival

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The 6^th annual Commissioner’s Cup BBQ Cook-off and Festival named a new State Barbecue Champion on Saturday, March 25. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture hosted this competition at the State Farmers Market, where 41 teams competed for the Grand Champion title in Boston Butts and pork rib categories.

2017 Winners and awards:

Grand Champion ($600): Killer B’s BBQ – Jim Burg, Evans, GA

Reserve Champion ($300): Doko Smoke – Tony Crout, Blythewood, SC

Boston Butts:

1^st Place ($1000): On the Spot BBQ – Ronnie Bishop, Greenwood, SC

2^nd Place ($600): Smoke by Day, Fire by Night – Jim Bennett, Rock Hill, SC

3^rd Place ($300): Blowin’ Smoke LLC – Robert Morris, Columbia, SC

Pork Ribs:

1^st Place ($1000): Killer B’s BBQ – Jim Burg, Evans, GA

2^nd Place ($600): Backdraft BBQ – Eric Carpenter, Ladsen, SC

3^rd Place ($300): Bold Branch BBQ Boys – Joe Hilliard, Anderson, SC

Peoples’ Choice Award: Steel Smok’n Smokerz – Ray LaBounty, Columbia, SC

Kids ‘Que Grand Champion: Allie Livingston

Kids ‘Que Reserve Champion: Bella and Courtney Bastin

In addition to a cash prize, winners in all categories of the Commissioner’s Cup received trophies.  The cook-off was sanctioned by the Southern Barbecue Network.  For more information on next year’s cook-off, contact Elizabeth Wood at ewood@scda.sc.gov or 803-734-0328.

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Killer B’s BBQ of Evans, GA took home the Grand Champion title from the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup BBQ Cook-off and Festival.

2017 Commissioner’s Cup BBQ Winners Press Release 

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Stephanie Sox, 803-734-2196, ssox@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 28, 2017

The Steeplechase Comes to Charleston

CHARLESTON, S.C. – South Carolina has a rich heritage of horse racing, and the SC Department of Agriculture is helping to promote the sport on a statewide basis.

In March, the Aiken Trials, the Aiken Steeplechase and the Elloree Trials brought some of the area’s finest young horses out to test their speed. The state’s biggest race, The Carolina Cup, will bring some 60,000 fans out on April 1 to enjoy horse racing at the state-owned Springdale Racecourse in Camden.

A new race meet, The Steeplechase of Charleston at Stono Ferry Racetrack, will join the National Steeplechase Association’s 2017 spring racing schedule on Saturday, April 8.  With the first of six races scheduled to start at 1 p.m., this family-friendly event offers a day of fun and excitement.  The $90,000 in purses is divided among two flat races for young horses and four steeplechase races over National hurdles. 

Steeplechase visitors can enjoy Vendor Village for shopping, food trucks such as King of Pops, Chopped-n-Topped, Ben and Jerry’s, along with various tailgating areas. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase upgraded tickets to the VIP Spike Chalet located on the start/finish line. This is one of the best seats in the house and includes food and beverage.

Tickets start at $40, with children under 12 admitted free. Limited infield preferred parking, conveniently located inside the track, can be purchased in advance for $40, and offsite general parking can be purchased day-of at the Stables at Stono Ferry Plantation for $10, cash only. For advance ticket and parking purchases, or for more information, visit steeplechaseofcharleston.com.

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The Steeplechase Comes to Charleston Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Stephanie Sox, 803-734-2196, ssox@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 3, 2017

Come Shop the Midlands Spring Plant & Flower Festival

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is hosting the annual Midlands Spring Plant & Flower Festival April 6-9 at the State Farmers Market, located at 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC.

The spring season is in full force in South Carolina and the beautiful weather has everyone excited about being outdoors. At the Midlands Spring Plant & Flower Festival, plant enthusiasts can shop over 85 vendors offering an assortment of plants, flowers, outdoor furniture, lawn and garden décor, specialty items and more. A variety of local food trucks will be on-site so festival attendees can grab a bite to eat while shopping. 

The festival will take place rain or shine. Admission for the event is free. Festival hours are 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday – Saturday and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Wagons will be available for rent, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own due to a limited quantity. For more information regarding the festival, contact Brad Boozer at 803-737-4531 or bboozer@scda.sc.gov.

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Midlands Spring Plant and Flower Festival Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Stephanie Sox, 803-734-2196, ssox@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 19, 2017

Lexington County Waste Pesticide Collection Event Set

LEXINGTON – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is partnering with Lexington County to offer South Carolina residents the opportunity to safely dispose of outdated, unusable or unwanted pesticides on Saturday, April 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The event will be held at the White Knoll High School located at 5643 Platt Springs Road, Lexington.

The pesticide and chemical program is open only to residents and farmers from any SC County. SCDA staff will be on site to monitor pesticide collection and disposal, and will have final authority on acceptance of products.

• Chemical and pesticide quantities accepted will be limited to 2500 pounds of solid and 300 gallons of liquid at no charge.
• Pesticide products accepted include herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, fungicides and similar products used in agricultural production or around the home.
• Rinsate will not be accepted.
• Fertilizer will not be accepted unless it is combined or co-packed with a pesticide such as weed and feed.
• No compressed gas cylinders (metal cylinder with a valve) or empty pesticide containers will be collected.

For more information about the collection, contact SCDA’s John Stokes at 803-737-9696 or jstokes@scda.sc.gov or Ken Webb with ECOFLO, Inc., the company handling the disposal, at 336-617-2733 or kwebb@ecoflo.com.

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Lexington County Waste Pesticide Collection Event Set Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Stephanie Sox, 803-734-2196, ssox@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 25, 2017

Funding Available for Cold Storage Cost Share Program

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) and the South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association announce the Cold Storage Cost Share Program, funded through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant.

Through this program, farmers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to $750 for installing a Cool-Bot cooler system for the holding of specialty crops. This system can be used on an affordable walk-in cooler powered in conjunction with a standard air conditioning unit. The Cool-Bot system uses multiple sensors, a heating element, and a programmed micro-controller to direct the air conditioner’s compressor to cool the room to 36°, without ever freezing up.

Eligible farmers must meet and agree to the following criteria:

• Must be a South Carolina farmer
• Must grow specialty crops
• Attend a food safety workshop hosted by SCDA or Clemson Extension. Proof of attendance must be provided in application for reimbursement.
• Sign an affidavit with SCDA to ensure cold storage unit will be used solely for the handling, holding, and distribution of specialty crops.
• Provide primary source documentation for all expenditures related to installation of the cold storage technology unit.
• Enable an on-site audit by key SCDA personnel to authenticate cold storage technology is being used solely for specialty crops.
• Provide data, information, statistics and/or testimonials after six and twelve months of installation of the cold storage unit to SCDA for tracking project success.

While there isn’t a due date to apply for reimbursement, funds are limited. For more information, contact SCDA’s Emily Joyce at 803-734-2224 or ejoyce@scda.sc.gov.

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Funding Available for Cold Storage Cost Share Program Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Stephanie Sox, 803-734-2196, ssox@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 3, 2017

Richland Recycles Day Waste Pesticide Collection Event Set

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is partnering with Richland County to offer South Carolina residents the opportunity to safely dispose of outdated, unusable or unwanted pesticides on Saturday, May 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The event will be held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.The pesticide and chemical program is open only to residents and farmers from any SC County. SCDA staff will be on site to monitor pesticide collection and disposal, and will have final authority on acceptance of products.

• Chemical and pesticide quantities accepted will be limited to 2500 pounds of solid and 300 gallons of liquid at no charge.
• Pesticide products accepted include herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, fungicides and similar products used in agricultural production or around the home.
• Rinsate will not be accepted.
• Fertilizer will not be accepted unless it is combined or co-packed with a pesticide such as weed and feed.
• No compressed gas cylinders (metal cylinder with a valve) or empty pesticide containers will be collected.

For more information about the collection, contact SCDA’s John Stokes at 803-737-9696 or jstokes@scda.sc.gov or Ken Webb with ECOFLO, Inc., the company handling the disposal, at 336-617-2733 or kwebb@ecoflo.com.

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Richland County Waste Pesticide Collection Event Set Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Stephanie Sox, 803-734-2196, ssox@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 23, 2017

South Carolina Department of Agriculture Prepares for Implementation of Industrial Hemp Pilot Program

COLUMBIA – Governor Henry McMaster signed Bill 3559 into law Thursday, May 11, making it legal for industrial hemp to be grown for research purposes in South Carolina, in accordance with the 2014 Farm Bill. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) will administer the application and permitting process.

The legislation allows for up to 20 farmers to receive permits to grow industrial hemp. The farmers who receive permits will each be allowed to grow up to 20 acres of the crop. Farmers selected will represent all growing areas of the state.

“The industrial hemp bill adds another opportunity for South Carolina farmers to increase crop diversity,” said Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture. “SCDA is working closely with allied agencies and interested parties to ensure timely implementation of the law.”

To qualify for a permit, you must:

• be a South Carolina resident,
• pass a state and federal background check administered by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division,
• have a signed contract with an industrial hemp manufacturer/processor, and
• submit GPS coordinates for the land where the industrial hemp will be grown.

SCDA officials anticipate the application will be available July 1. For more information regarding the application and permitting process visit agriculture.sc.gov.

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South Carolina Department of Agriculture Prepares for Implementation of Industrial Hemp Pilot Program Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Laura Lester, 803-331-9504, llester@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 5, 2017

Pork Powered by Soy Returns to Carolina Country Music Fest

MYRTLE BEACH – South Carolina pork and soybean farmers are partnering with the Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) again this year to promote the Pork Powered by Soy campaign. The 3^rd annual Carolina Country Music Fest is June 9-11, with the McDonald’s Kick-Off Concert featuring Montgomery Gentry and Brett Young on Thursday, June 8.

This year’s festival will feature over 30 of country music’s most popular recording artists including Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Big & Rich, and South Carolina’s own, Lee Brice and Darius Rucker.

While enjoying the festival, country music fans will have the opportunity to learn more about agriculture, South Carolina’s largest industry, and get their hands on Pork Powered by Soy giveaways. Animal agriculture supports 18,660 jobs and accounts for over $2 billion in revenue each year. Animal agriculture is the largest consumer of soybean meal in the United States, making partnerships like the one between SC pork and soybean farmers mutually beneficial.

The Carolina Country Music Fest is at the Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion Place, 812 North Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, SC. For full concert details and to purchase tickets to this year’s festival, visit carolinacountrymusicfest.com. To learn more about Pork Powered by Soy and to keep up with the SC pork and soybean boards at CCMF, like Pork Powered by Soy on Facebook!

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Pork Powered by Soy Returns to Carolina Country Music Fest Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Elizabeth Wood, 803-917-4950, ewood@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 5, 2017

Family Ag Day Returns to the State Farmers Market

WEST COLUMBIA – Are you looking for a free, family-friendly event to attend this summer? Come out to the 4th annual Family Ag Day at the State Farmers Market on Saturday, July 8 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The event is under the north Certified SC shed, where visitors can shop from a variety of vendors for fresh, local produce, specialty food products, and hand crafted items. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s commodity boards will be passing out free samples of their products.  Enjoy a taste of peanuts, peaches, watermelon, pork, and beef, while supplies last.

Celebrate agriculture while you visit the tractor exhibit and learn what it’s like to sit in a combine while harvesting crops in Farm Bureau’s Ag Simulator. Children can enjoy an exciting kids’ area with a bouncy house, fruit and vegetable temporary tattoos, and learn more about South Carolina agriculture through several games and crafts.  Enjoy fun, summertime tunes from a DJ and grab something to eat from food vendors.

For more information on the event, contact Elizabeth Wood at ewood@scda.sc.gov or 803-917-4950. The State Farmers Market is located at 3483 Charleston Hwy., West Columbia.

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2017 Family Ag Day Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Clint Leach, 803-734-2191, jcleach@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 6, 2017

Gamecocks Win Certified SC Grown Palmetto Series Second Year in a Row

SOUTH CAROLINA – The University of South Carolina won the Certified SC Grown Palmetto Series the second year in a row. The Palmetto Series is an annual points competition between the state’s flagship universities in head-to-head athletic events. Points were also awarded for highest team GPA and for a food drive tackling hunger in their communities.

Presented by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA), the series fosters a fun competition between the historic rivals while connecting fans with farmers and to the food grown right here in South Carolina.

“South Carolina is home to championship level athletes and farmers, and SCDA is proud to be a part of this fierce, but friendly, rivalry that brings two great universities together to support our farmers,” Commissioner Hugh Weathers said. “We encourage fans to look for the Certified SC Grown label and continue to support both our farmers and this great competition.”

Points were awarded for the winner of each athletic contest between the two schools, including sports in which both teams competed as part of multiple-team tournaments. Points were also awarded for academics and the food drive benefitting Harvest Hope Food Bank and Golden Harvest Food Bank. This year, the academic point broke the tie between the two universities.

USC earned eight points for wins in women’s soccer, volleyball, golf, basketball, diving, men and women’s tennis, and the academic point.

Clemson won seven points for the competition in men’s soccer, football, basketball, baseball, golf, and women’s cross country as well as the food drive.

“Our student-athletes dedicate themselves to excellence academically and in competition.  I am so proud of their accomplishments and the coaches and staff who help them succeed,” USC Athletics Director Ray Tanner said.  “Thanks to the SCDA, who brought the in-state competition to life, one that stretches beyond the fields, but in the community and in the classroom.”

“Our student-athletes, coaches and staff all enjoy the Palmetto Series and appreciate the South Carolina Department of Agriculture for their support,” Clemson Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich said. “We look forward this competition continuing for years to come.”

The Gamecocks will celebrate the victory with a student-athlete back-to-school picnic on August 24. The Palmetto Series trophy will be presented to USC on September 16 during the first home game of the season.

To learn more about the Palmetto Series, follow along and participate, visit palmettoseries.com. You can also connect online with the Palmetto Series on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Gamecocks Win Certified SC Grown Palmetto Series Second Year in a Row Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Clint Leach, 803-734-2191, jcleach@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 19, 2017

SC Farm to Institution Announces Dates for Garden Workshops and Culinary Trainings

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Farm to Institution program announces their workshop and training schedule. The workshops, geared towards child care center staff, school food service staff, teachers, and interested community members, focus on culinary skills training and gardening.

The culinary skills trainings have two formats, one specific to child care centers and one specific to school food service. Participants will follow along as South Carolina chefs demonstrate the importance of buying local, teach proper knife techniques and prepare several dishes using local, in-season fruits and vegetables.

The garden workshops consist of hands-on gardening training, designed for all skill levels and based on successful gardens in South Carolina.

Workshop Dates:

• July 20 – Farm to School Culinary Skills Training (combined course)
• July 27 – Farm to Preschool Culinary Skills Training
• July 28 – Farm to School Culinary Skills Training
• August 3 and 9 – School Gardening Hands-on Workshop
• August 15 – Farm to Institution Garden Workshop (with Clemson Extension)

The workshops are hosted in partnership with the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas at Greenville Technical College, the University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Clemson Extension, and the Food Systems Change Initiative administered by the College of Charleston.

The South Carolina Farm to Institution Program aims to increase access to healthy, local foods and create markets for farmers throughout South Carolina by facilitating partnerships between farms and institutions to serve locally grown and minimally processed foods.

All workshops are offered at no charge to participants and registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including workshop descriptions, locations, and how to register, visit scfarmtoinstitution.com.

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SC Farm to Institution Announces Dates for Garden Workshops and Culinary Trainings Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Clint Leach, 803-734-2191, jcleach@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 7, 2017

Honorees Recognized for their Support of the South Carolina Agriculture Industry

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Advocates for Agriculture held its tenth annual Advocates of the Year Recognition Reception on August 3 to honor two individuals who have shown outstanding commitment to supporting and promoting the state’s agriculture industry. Representative Davey Hiott and Jim Roquemore each received the 2017 Advocate of the Year award.

The public service recipient, Representative Davey Hiott from Pickens, serves as the chairman of the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives. Chairman Hiott has served the people of Dacusville, Liberty, and Pickens in the SC State House since 2005 and has been a great friend to agriculture. He has sponsored legislation that allowed the SC Department of Agriculture to be the regulatory authority for the new Produce Safety Rule and has worked tirelessly to pass legislation to update regulations in the poultry industry.

Jim Roquemore, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Patten Seed Company, also known by trade name, Super-Sod, received the private sector award.  His business dates back to 1894 and has grown from a small town general store in Lakeland, GA to a cooperation having a number of sod and seed farms located throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Among numerous other roles, Jim currently serves as Chairman of the SC Conservation Bank and has been a past Chairman of Palmetto Agribusiness Council, as well as served on the Board of Visitors and Advisory Council of Clemson University. Jim and his wife Karen give their time and energy to many worthwhile community causes.

Ronnie Summers, the SC Advocates for Agriculture President stated, “These two state leaders have consistently been advocates for our state’s agribusiness interest, and this special recognition is well deserved.”

South Carolina Advocates for Agriculture was created in 2005 to assist in marketing and promotion of the State’s agriculture products and the overall agriculture industry. For more information regarding SC Advocates for Agriculture, visit scadvocates4ag.org.

(From left to right) Representative Davey Hiott, Ronnie Summers, and Jim Roquemore

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Honorees Recognized for their Support of the South Carolina Agriculture Industry Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Clint Leach, 803-734-2191, jcleach@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 14, 2017

South Carolina Farm to Institution to Host Inaugural Summit

COLUMBIA – South Carolina Farm to Institution is excited to announce its inaugural summit on Tuesday, September 19 from 8:30 am- 4:30 pm at the R2i2 Conference Center, 763 Fashion Drive. The theme of the summit is Growing Stronger Together.

The purpose of the summit is to bring together key farm to institution players to further encourage local procurement, reinforce healthy eating and local food education, and provide the skills to establish a garden, farmers’ market or Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

The day will include an overview of SC Farm to Institution and the National Diabetes Prevention Program. They keynote speaker is Anupama Joshi, co-founder and executive director of the National Farm to School Network. There will be two breakout sessions with separate tracks specific to educators, producers, worksites, food distributors, and Diabetes Prevention Program sites. To facilitate growing stronger together, the afternoon session will include the opportunity for regional networking.

SC Farm to Institution’s mission is to increase access to healthy, local foods and create markets for farmers throughout South Carolina. It is a joint effort between the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, the SC Department of Agriculture, the SC Department of Education, the SC Department of Social Services, and Clemson University.

Registration, which includes a local lunch, is $10. All participants are encouraged to bring a healthy canned food item to donate to a state food bank. For more information, including workshop descriptions and how to register, visit the scfarmtoinstitution.com/media/summit.

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South Carolina Farm to Institution to Host Inaugural Summit Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Clint Leach, 803-734-2191, jcleach@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 5, 2017

Waste Pesticide Disposal Collection Dates & Locations Set

COLUMBIA –  The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) is offering several opportunities through the Waste Pesticide Disposal Program to safely dispose of outdated, unusable, or unwanted pesticides during September.

The pesticide and chemical program is open to all private, commercial and non-commercial pesticide applicators in the state, as well as homeowners. SCDA staff will be on site to monitor pesticide collection and disposal, and will have final authority on acceptance of products.

• Chemical and pesticide quantities accepted will be limited to 2500 pounds of solid and 300 gallons of liquid at no charge.
• Pesticide products accepted include herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, fungicides and similar products used in agriculturalproduction or around the home.
• Rinsate will not be accepted.
• Fertilizer will not be accepted unless it is combined or co-packed with a pesticide such as weed and feed.
• No compressed gas cylinders (metal cylinder with a valve) or empty pesticide containers will be collected.
• Collection events may be cancelled due to inclement weather and will be posted on SCDA’s website. Possible makeup dates will be announced at a later date.

Collection Dates and Locations:

September 12, 2017 – Middling Cotton

3401 Bridge Street | St. Matthews, SC 29135

9 am – 3 pm

September 13, 2017 – Green Acres Turf Farm

14058 Savannah Highway | Furman, SC  29921

9 am – 3 pm

September 14, 2017 – Clemson Pee Dee Research and Education Center

2200 Pocket Road | Darlington, SC 29532

9 am – 3 pm

For more information, contact SCDA’s John Stokes at 803-737-9696 or jstokes@scda.sc.gov or Ken Webb with ECOFLO, Inc., the company handling the disposal, at 336-617-2733 or kwebb@ecoflo.com.

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2017 Waste Pesticide Disposal Collection Dates & Locations Set Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Clint Leach, 803-734-2191, jcleach@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 7, 2017

Waste Pesticide Disposal Collections Cancelled

COLUMBIA –  The South Carolina Department of Agriculture has cancelled three upcoming events for the Waste Pesticide Disposal Program due to the threat of Hurricane Irma.

Cancelled Collection Dates and Locations:

September 12, 2017 – Middling Cotton

3401 Bridge Street |St. Matthews, SC 29135

9 am- 3 pm

September 13, 2017- Green Acres Turf Farm

14058 Savannah Highway |Furman, SC  29921

9 am- 3 pm

September 14, 2017- Clemson Pee Dee Research and Education Center

2200 Pocket Road | Darlington, SC 29532

9 am – 3 pm

Possible make-up dates will be announced at a later time. For more information about the programs and services of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, visit agriculture.sc.gov.

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2017 Waste Pesticide Disposal Collection Dates & Locations Cancelled

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Clint Leach, 803-734-2191, jcleach@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 8, 2017

South Carolina Industrial Hemp Pilot Program Application Deadline Extended

COLUMBIA –  Due to Hurricane Irma’s potential impact to the state of South Carolina, the current application deadline to participate in the state’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program is extended until September 22, 2017. All applications and previously required information must be completed and postmarked by 5:00 p.m. (EST) on September 22, 2017. Prior to today’s deadline extension, all completed applications were due September 15, 2017.

“As we are closely monitoring Hurricane Irma, we are extending the industrial hemp application deadline by 1 week, to ensure all interested parties have the needed time and resources to properly gather and submit the required information,” said South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers.

The South Carolina Industrial Hemp Pilot Program allows 20 farmers to grow up to 20 acres each in 2018. Farmers selected to participate will represent all growing areas of the state.

For additional information pertaining to South Carolina’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program, please visit the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s webpage, agriculture.sc.gov.

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Industrial Hemp Application Deadline Extension Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Clint Leach, 803-734-2191, jcleach@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 13, 2017

Farmers Currently Assessing Crop Damage After Hurricane Irma

COLUMBIA –  As initial damage assessments and cleanup begin after Hurricane Irma’s impact on
South Carolina, farmers throughout the state hope to experience minimal crop damage and
infrastructure loss. With the mere size of Hurricane Irma, a large portion of the state’s 25,000 farmers
may be negatively impacted.

All farmers who have experienced losses are encouraged to contact their Clemson University County
Extension agent, to complete an official ESF-17 Damage Assessment Form.

“Early reports indicate somewhat minimal crop losses, but ultimately time will tell. With localized rains,
flooding and heavy winds, a large part of farmers’ recovery will depend on how quickly fields drain and
when crops can be harvested,” said South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers.
“Unlike after Hurricane Joaquin in 2015, it appears this week’s forecast will help farmers quickly get back
into the fields.”

Hurricane Irma’s timing coincides with the harvest of many crops, including peanuts, cotton and fruits
and vegetables. Many farmers are also preparing their fields for fall planting. Farmers experienced a
$375 million loss of crops in 2015 from Hurricane Joaquin and another $52 million in 2016 from
Hurricane Matthew.

“Farmers are very resilient, but having already experienced tremendous crop losses the past two years,
we hope for a very quick recovery,” Commissioner Hugh Weathers says.

South Carolina agribusiness is the state’s largest industry, contributing nearly $42 Billion and 212,000
jobs to the state’s annual economy

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Farmers Currently Assessing Crop Damage After Hurricane Irma Press Release

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Elizabeth Wood, 803-917-4950, ewood@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 21, 2017

Spruce Up Your Yard This Fall at the 25th Annual Pee Dee Fall Plant & Flower Festival

FLORENCE – Find everything you need to get your yard ready for fall at the 25^th  annual Pee Dee Fall Plant & Flower Festival. Shop the festival Friday through Sunday, September 29 – October 1 at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, 2513 W. Lucas Street, Florence.

Exhibitors will be on site selling a wide variety of plants, flowers, and yard décor that would make any yard the envy of the neighborhood. Clemson Extension Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and bring along a wagon to transport purchases to your vehicle.

Festival hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Parking and admission are free. The festival will be held rain or shine. For more information, contact Brittany Hyman at 843-665-5154.

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Spruce Up Your Yard This Fall at the 25th Annual Pee Dee Fall Press Release