South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 2, 2023

ChangeSC Will Help South Carolinians Access Food, Learn about Healthy Eating

COLUMBIA – A new statewide initiative called ChangeSC will connect South Carolinians living in food deserts with fresh, locally grown food while working to improve their eating habits and health outcomes.

A pilot program for the initiative launched Nov. 1 in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, focused on four counties with high food-insecurity rates: Marlboro, Dillon, Marion and Williamsburg.

ChangeSC is led by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). For the three-month pilot, SCDA is working with Pick 42 Foundation, a Mullins-based nonprofit food aggregator that runs the Eat Local Pee Dee program. Pick 42 Foundation will increase fresh food distribution while working with SCDA to create targeted education and outreach, helping Pee Dee residents learn how to access and prepare fresh fruits, vegetables and meats and the benefits of healthy eating.

“We’re working together to bring fresh, nutritious food grown by South Carolina farmers directly to people in communities that lack food access, while also working to create generational change in eating habits,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “This initiative has the potential to transform our state.”

“Food insecurity is associated with poorer health outcomes, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. In addition, in children it is also associated with lower school achievement,” said DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer. “DHEC is excited to partner with SCDA and Pick 42 Foundation on this innovative pilot which allows South Carolinians to help South Carolinians. We are very hopeful it will improve the health and well-being of our citizens.”

“We are honored to partner with SCDA and DHEC to highlight the efforts of our South Carolina farmer and rancher heroes and the tremendous volunteer network in the Pee Dee,” said Miko Pickett, executive director of Pick 42 Foundation. “We are confident that at the conclusion of the pilot, the results will demonstrate the strong desire for our communities to have access to fresh local food grown and raised in the state.”

A new report from the US Department of Agriculture ranks South Carolina among the most food-insecure states, with 14.5 percent of those surveyed lacking reliable access to sufficient affordable, nutritious food. More than 80% of South Carolina’s counties have food deserts – areas in which fresh food is difficult to access.

Poor eating habits can contribute to health problems like obesity and diabetes, that, if left untreated, can be deadly.

Research conducted for the ChangeSC project has found that 94 percent of rural South Carolinians understand that eating fresh, healthy foods is somewhat to very important for their health, but the biggest barriers are price (60%) and availability (27%) in rural communities. ChangeSC aims to address that disparity.

Based on the success of the pilot program, SCDA and DHEC will roll out ChangeSC statewide, expanding coverage to at least 24 counties and implementing a comprehensive statewide education and awareness campaign. The partners will work with existing South Carolina aggregators and food hubs to buy food from South Carolina farmers and distribute it in targeted areas.

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To view more news releases from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, visit agriculture.sc.gov/category/press-releases.

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 8, 2023

SC Department of Agriculture to Take Over Restaurant Inspections, Other DHEC Food Safety Responsibilities

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is preparing to take on some important regulatory duties that are currently handled by the Department of Health and Environmental Control, better known as DHEC.

Starting July 1, 2024, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) will handle all retail food safety inspection, including restaurant kitchens, school cafeterias, caterers, grocery stores, some convenience stores, and more. SCDA is also taking over DHEC’s Manufactured Food Programs, including soft drinks, cheese and dairy, bottled water, and ice; as well as the Milk Inspection Program and Laboratory.

The South Carolina General Assembly entrusted SCDA with these new responsibilities as part of S.399, a bill that restructures DHEC and divides its oversight among new and existing agencies.

This food safety transfer is a natural fit. SCDA has regulated wholesale food manufacturing for nearly 50 years. The agency also regulates animal feed safety, specialty food producers, and produce farming, and has well-equipped specialized labs that conduct a variety of regulatory testing.

“The South Carolina Department of Agriculture has a great reputation for protecting the public and working with South Carolina businesses,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “These new duties will strengthen our ability to assure food safety while also streamlining services for businesses, some of which are currently regulated by both SCDA and DHEC. This is good news for farmers, too: We’ll have even more involvement in every step of the food system, from when it’s grown to where it’s eaten. We look forward to serving our state in new ways as we affirm our longstanding commitment to food safety and a strong agriculture industry.”

SCDA and DHEC are working together with the SC Department of Administration to assure a smooth transition for customers, employees, and the public. SCDA will roughly double in size, with about 115 positions transferring over from DHEC. DHEC food safety staff will join SCDA’s existing Consumer Protection Division, which includes all the agency’s regulatory departments.

“The food safety regulations aren’t changing, but the public will see some changes — and not just a new logo on the restaurant door,” said Assistant Commissioner for Consumer Protection Derek Underwood. “South Carolina consumers and the businesses we inspect can expect a responsive team dedicated to helping improve food safety. We look forward to continuing to earn public trust with these new responsibilities.”

Over the next eight months, SCDA will post regular updates on the transfer at agriculture.sc.gov/dhectransfer.

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To view more news releases from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, visit agriculture.sc.gov/category/press-releases.

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 12, 2023

Tomahawk Processing Establishing Operations in Laurens County
$5 Million Investment Will Create 26 New Jobs 

COLUMBIA – Tomahawk Processing LLC (Tomahawk Processing) today announced that it will establish meat processing operations in Laurens County. The company’s investment of $5 million will create 26 new jobs.

Tomahawk Processing will build a state-of-the-art, U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected processing plant that will provide beef processing and packing services. It will also provide private label packaging, allowing producers to sell products publicly in South Carolina and other states.

The company will be located at 5336 Metric Road in Laurens. Operations are expected to be online in the first quarter of 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Tomahawk Processing team should email tomahawkprocessing@gmail.com.

QUOTES

“My partners and I are thrilled to announce that Tomahawk Processing will be locating in Laurens County, South Carolina. We look forward to partnering with South Carolina producers to help bring local beef direct to consumers. We want to thank the Laurens County Council, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Laurens County Economic Development Corporation for all the hard work in helping to bring this investment to Laurens County. With a special thanks to Senator Danny Verdin and Tom Brooks, City Manager of Clinton, for helping start the dialogue that led to this decision.” —Tomahawk Processing Managing Partner Platt Moore

“Agribusiness is one of South Carolina’s leading industries, and we celebrate Tomahawk Processing’s decision to invest and create jobs in Laurens County. I congratulate the company and look forward to a strong partnership.” —Gov. Henry McMaster 

“The lack of in-state processing capacity is probably the No. 1 concern I hear from beef producers in South Carolina, so this project is a big deal. This qualified team with South Carolina roots will help strengthen the agribusiness industry in our state.”—South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers

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To view more news releases from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, visit agriculture.sc.gov/category/press-releases.

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 15, 2023

Luray Peanut Co. Expanding Operations in Hampton County
$5.25 Million Investment Will Create 16 New Jobs 

COLUMBIA – Luray Peanut Co., a producer of packaged boiled peanuts, today announced plans to expand its operations in Hampton County. The company’s $5.25 million investment will create 16 new jobs.

Luray Peanut Co.’s original recipe and Cajun boiled peanut products are available for purchase in convenience stores, grocery stores and stadiums.

Located at 973 Main Street in Varnville, Luray Peanut Co. is moving a portion of its current manufacturing to South Carolina to expand its footprint and allow for the production of new product lines.

The expansion is expected to be complete by December 2024.

“We are looking forward to moving a portion of our business into South Carolina. This will allow us to be able to create and expand on new and existing product lines. We are grateful for the continued support from the South Carolina Department of Commerce. We look forward to bringing our peanut products home.” –Luray Peanut Co. Chief Executive Officer Lauren Marcinkoski

“We are elated that Luray Peanut Co. is expanding its presence in South Carolina and building upon the strength of the state’s agribusiness industry. Boiled peanuts have long been a staple of South Carolina culture, and we welcome Luray Peanut Co.’s additional business.” –Gov. Henry McMaster

“Luray was already a South Carolina agribusiness success story, and by moving their processing in-house and into the state, they’re creating new opportunities for South Carolina peanut producers. We’re proud to support this important step forward for a local business.” –South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers

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To view more news releases from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, visit agriculture.sc.gov/category/press-releases.

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 15, 2023

Partnership Helps Small Farmers in SC Achieve Key Food Safety Certification
With Duke Energy Donation, Program is ‘Closing the GAP’ for Farmers

COLUMBIA – A new partnership is helping more South Carolina farmers show buyers their commitment to food safety.

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship (ACRE) is helping South Carolina farmers achieve Good Agricultural Practices certification thanks to a $100,000 grant from Duke Energy.

Good Agricultural Practices, or GAP, is a voluntary federal audit showing that a farm is taking significant steps to reduce the risk of foodborne illness associated with fresh fruits and vegetables. Some buyers, including some grocery chains and school districts, will only purchase from GAP-certified farms. Thus, GAP certification can be crucial for farms looking to scale up their operations and find sustainable markets for their produce.

ACRE is partnering with the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, the South Carolina Black Farmers Coalition, Pick 42 Foundation, and Bonita Global LLC to help growers prepare for a GAP audit and cover the costs of certification. The program is targeting small, minority-owned farms in South Carolina.

“We know many small South Carolina farms are already using excellent food safety practices, and GAP certification is a stamp of approval so buyers know it, too,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “I thank all our partners in this effort for their commitment to sustaining South Carolina agriculture.”

“GAP certification means opportunity and access for small, socially disadvantaged farms,” said Larry Harris, a produce grower who owns Harris Farms LLC in Sumter County. Harris has also worked to bring other farmers in to the program.

“Agribusiness is South Carolina’s top industry, and Duke Energy is proud to power thousands of family and commercial farms and related businesses,” said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president. “We are excited to invest in resources like the GAP certification program that will help farmers grow their business and support our agricultural economy.”

Half of Duke Energy’s generous contribution is being used for the GAP assistance program, while ACRE is using the other $50,000 for small business development grants to agricultural producers in the region served by Duke Energy.

To learn more about ACRE, visit acre-sc.com.

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To view more news releases from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, visit agriculture.sc.gov/category/press-releases.

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 20, 2023

SC Department of Agriculture Seeks Infrastructure Grant Applications
Resilient Food System Infrastructure Program Targets Middle of the Food Supply Chain

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) is partnering with USDA Agricultural Marketing Service to offer over $4 million in competitive grants to support middle-of-the-food-supply-chain infrastructure for domestic food and farm businesses and other eligible entities.

Grants under the Resilient Food System Infrastructure program, or RFSI, will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains and other row crops for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry, and wild-caught seafood.

“Strengthening the middle of the food supply chain in South Carolina will provide stronger markets for local farmers, increase stability for consumers, and help ensure a strong future of agriculture in the state,” said South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers.

SCDA conducted statewide outreach through a listening call, survey, in-person outreach meetings, and a month-long comment period to identify funding priorities for the RFSI program in South Carolina. Based on the collected data and input, funding priorities for South Carolina RFSI subawards will include:

• Projects that increase local producers’ abilities to process, aggregate, and distribute product through the construction, expansion, or modernization of cold and dry storage facilities.
• Projects that increase local producers’ abilities to process, aggregate, and distribute product through the creation of additional transportation to move product, and that increase distribution channels through the construction, expansion, or modernization of distribution facilities.
• Projects that increase processing capacity, creating new distribution channels and markets for value-added products.
• Projects that purchase and/or modernize middle-of-the-food-supply-chain equipment, packaging, and food safety and labor needs; and increase local producers’ abilities to process, aggregate, and distribute agricultural products.

Two types of awards are being offered with this funding: Infrastructure Grants ($100,000 to $3 million) and Simplified Equipment-Only Grants ($10,000 to $100,000). SCDA is taking applications through Feb. 9 for the equipment-only application, and through March 1 for the infrastructure program.

Visit agriculture.sc.gov/rfsi for more information and to apply. If you have questions, reach out to rfsi@scda.sc.gov.

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South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 20, 2023

Hemp Farming Permit Application Period Is Jan. 1 – Feb. 29, 2024

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture will begin accepting Hemp Farming Permit applications for the 2024 season on Jan. 1, 2024. Anyone who wishes to farm hemp in South Carolina in 2024 must apply online between Jan. 1 and Feb. 29, 2024.

To qualify for a Hemp Farming Permit, you must complete a background check through IdentoGO and provide a Farm Service Agency (FSA) number. Only South Carolina residents are eligible to apply.

There is no paper or printable application; all applicants must apply online at agriculture.sc.gov/hemp. Permits expire each year, so current permit holders who wish to continue growing must reapply.

Fees: The Hemp Farming Permit application fee is $100. A $500 permit fee is due after the application has been approved and Participation Agreement has been signed.

Late Application Grace Period: There will be a one-week grace period in 2024 for Hemp Farming Permit applications to allow for late applicants. The grace period will be from March 1 – March 8. During this grace period, an application can be submitted with the non-refundable $100 permit application fee along with a non-refundable $500 late fee due at the time of applying. If approved, the applicant will still be responsible for paying the $500 Hemp Farming Permit fee prior to a permit being issued. Important: The grace period will end at the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on March 8. No applications will be accepted after the grace period has closed – no exceptions.

Additional Lease Agreement Verification Requirements: Lease Agreements shall be recorded in the same manner as a deed of real estate at the county Register of Deeds Office. All Lease Agreement signatures must be notarized. A notarized and properly recorded Lease Agreement must be included in your application support documents.

Missing or Incorrect Information in Application: Submitted applications with missing or incorrect information that has not been corrected or submitted by the Feb. 29 deadline will be considered incomplete, and the applicant will be required to pay the non-refundable late fee to continue with their application for a 2024 Hemp Farming Permit. If the missing or incorrect information is not submitted along with the associated fee before the grace period deadline at 5:00 p.m. on March 8, 2024, the application will not be accepted.

For further information, visit agriculture.sc.gov/hemp or email hempstaff@scda.sc.gov.

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South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 16, 2024

Produce Safety Three-Year Exemption Applications Open Through Jan. 31

COLUMBIA – On January 1, 2024, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture began accepting applications for the Produce Safety Rule exemption.

To ease the burden on South Carolina farmers, we have transitioned the yearly Produce Safety Rule Exemption application to a three-year exemption application cycle. Farms now only need to apply for their Produce Safety Rule exemption every three years. Everyone who qualifies for exemption will apply during an application cycle. The current exemption cycle began on January 1 and will end on January 31, 2024 – giving farms a full month to reapply for exemption. Once farms are approved in January 2024, they will not need to reapply until January 2027.

If you aren’t sure where your farm operation falls in the above categories, please visit the exemption website to log in and view your farm’s current exemption status at psrexemption.agriculture.sc.gov/Exemption.

The Produce Safety Rule is part of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) passed in 2011, which sets federal regulatory standards for the production, harvest, and handling of fruits and vegetables, in an effort to prevent microbial contamination and reduce foodborne illnesses associated with fresh produce.

Some growers may be excluded from inspection under the Rule based upon commodities grown, average annual produce sales, and/or personal/on-farm consumption. Some growers may be exempt based upon processing activities that include a “kill step”, or average annual food sales to “qualified end users.” However, farms that are exempt must apply for and be granted an exemption from SCDA.

Although application will only be required every three years, your signature for application certifies you will review your coverage status on an annual basis. If during your yearly review, you conclude that your farm is no longer exempt or excluded from the Produce Safety Rule, we ask that you contact SCDA to make us aware of the status change.

Please keep in mind that even with this change, exemptions can be revoked by SCDA under the following circumstances: SCDA is made aware or has reason to believe the applicant is not exempt from the Produce Safety Rule; concerns of public health significance; and/or a recall of produce that is a result of egregious farm conditions.

Please contact the Outreach team if you have any questions regarding these changes or need assistance in determining your farm’s status. Visit agriculture.sc.gov/produce-safety/our-department for contact information.

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South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov
Samantha Queen, SCPRT Director of Corporate Communications, 803-767-3568, squeen@scprt.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 18, 2024

2024 South Carolina Chef Ambassadors Announced

COLUMBIA – Today, Gov. Henry McMaster was joined by Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers and Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Director Duane Parrish in appointing three South Carolina Chef Ambassadors for 2024.

This is the 10th year of the program, which was created in 2014 to highlight South Carolina as a destination for great food. Chef Ambassadors represent the state through food festivals and other promotional opportunities, sharing South Carolina’s culinary traditions, agricultural heritage, and undiscovered places with the world.

“The Chef Ambassador program celebrates two important sectors of our booming economy—agribusiness and tourism,” Gov. McMaster said. “Our state’s outstanding culinary talent contributes to the rich cultural heritage and quality of life that makes South Carolina unique and attractive to all. Our newest class of Chef Ambassadors represent our mountains, Midlands, and coast, adding to the top-tier talent that this program has spotlighted over the past 10 years.”

South Carolina Chef Ambassadors support our state’s farmers by using Certified South Carolina produce, meats, dairy, seafood, and other farm-fresh foods in their own ways.

“South Carolina’s food culture is second to none, and farmers make it all possible,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “I’m impressed by how each and every Chef Ambassador over the past 10 years has supported local food and forged relationships with farmers, and I look forward to working with this talented new class.”

“From a tourism perspective, one of the most beneficial aspects of this program is that it’s allowed us to showcase the diversity of South Carolina’s flavors and destinations through the authentic, first-person perspective of our chefs,” said Duane Parrish, Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. “From their signature dishes to the cities and towns they passionately represent, over the past decade, our Chef Ambassadors have helped enhance and amplify our culinary reputation with audiences around the world. I know our 2024 class will continue that tradition.”

The 2024 South Carolina Chef Ambassadors are:

The 2024 Chef Ambassadors. From left: Chef Javier Uriarte, Chef Leslie Rohland, and Chef Michael Sibert.

Chef Leslie Rohland

The Cottage Café Bakery & Tea Room |  Bluffton, South Carolina

As founder, owner and head chef/baker at The Cottage Café, Bakery & Tea Room, Chef Leslie serves up innovative cuisine and Southern hospitality in Old Town Bluffton. After the success of The Cottage, she opened May River Coffee Roasters, The Juice Hive, SideCar Catering, and The Bluffton Pasta Shoppe, all committed to offering fresh, local cuisine.

Chef Michael Sibert

Anonymous Burgers |  Greer, South Carolina

A Greenwood native and alumnus of Cornell University and the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas, Chef Michael trained in New Orleans before moving to Greer, where he has headed up high-end establishments for more than a decade. Chef Michael opened Anonymous Burgers in Cartwright Food Hall in 2023.

Chef Javier Uriarte

Ratio |  Elgin, South Carolina

Chef Javier gained his culinary experience in DC-area restaurant kitchens before moving to Columbia in 2013. He is chef and owner of Ratio in the Kershaw County/Northeast Columbia region, a tapas-style restaurant influenced by Chef Javier’s Peruvian background and Southern comfort food.

To learn more about the program and past Chef Ambassadors, visit discoversouthcarolina.com/chef-ambassadors.

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South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contacts: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 24, 2024

Nova Molecular Technologies Expanding Operations in Sumter County
$23.75 Million Investment Will Create 20 New Jobs

COLUMBIA – Nova Molecular Technologies (Nova), a high-purity solvents manufacturer, today announced it is expanding its operations in Sumter County. The company’s $23.75 million investment will create 20 new jobs.

Founded in Texas in 1991, Nova is a leader in high-value solvent recovery technology. The company’s Recover and Return model launched in 2017 and helps customers reduce their environmental impact by recovering chemicals that would otherwise be sent to waste disposal. Nova also manufactures and markets chemicals that are used in the biopharma, analytical and agricultural markets.

Since establishing its South Carolina operations in 2014, Nova has expanded to four Sumter County locations, including two production facilities. The company later sold its Texas facility to concentrate manufacturing operations solely in South Carolina. Nova’s latest expansion will add additional square footage to its existing facility located at 1123 Race Track Road, which will enable further development of the processes and technologies needed to meet growing customer needs.

The expansion is expected to be complete by 2028. Individuals interested in joining the Nova team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“Nova Molecular Technologies is constantly seeking innovative solutions and technologies that align with our unwavering sustainability-first mindset and our mission to deliver exceptional value for our customers. We are grateful for the partnership with Sumter Economic Development and support from our local and state government partners as it allows us to move into our next phase of expansion in Sumter that supports our long-term growth objectives. It also ignites opportunity to boost our employee base and benefit Sumter and the State of South Carolina.” —Nova Molecular Technologies CEO Chris Adams

“Congratulations to Nova Molecular Technologies on yet another expansion of its South Carolina operations. This $23.75 million investment is a tremendous win for Sumter County and the state as a whole.” —Gov. Henry McMaster

“Nova Molecular Technologies is creating high-tech, highly skilled jobs while working to support the agribusiness industry here and across the globe. We celebrate their success as they announce this latest expansion.” —South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers

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South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 29, 2024

Are You a South Carolina Agribusiness Entrepreneur?
ACRE Advanced Program Now Seeking Pitches

COLUMBIA – The Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship (ACRE) at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2024 Advanced Entrepreneurship program through March 8, 2024.

South Carolina entrepreneurs selected for the program will have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges, competing to earn business mentoring and funding for their agribusiness. The awardees will be granted up to $25,000 for their company or product.

In the seven years since it was founded, ACRE has awarded more than $1 million to 100 agricultural entrepreneurs, funded several industry-driven research projects, and led dozens of business workshops throughout the state.

“Each year, ACRE continues to uncover new entrepreneurial talent in the world of South Carolina agribusiness – a testament to our state’s talent, drive and vision,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “I look forward to seeing a new group of competitive folks step up to the plate in 2024.”

Previous successful awardees have included female-owned vegetable grower Crescent Farm in Laurens County, which used ACRE funding to expand production; regenerative agriculture-based duck producer Vital Mission Farm in Wadmalaw Island; Milky Way Farm in Starr, which bought a second robotic milking system; and Project Victory Gardens, which leads workshops to help veterans transition to careers in agribusiness.

The Advanced Entrepreneurship application requires a business plan and a ready-to-launch prototype or sales history for the applicant’s company or product. Applicants’ businesses must be located in South Carolina. The application also includes a detailed guide to what ACRE is looking for in a business plan.

ACRE has a separate program each fall for beginning innovators who have an agribusiness idea but don’t have experience in business.

For more information, visit acre-sc.com/programs or contact Kyle Player at 803-734-2324 or kplayer@scda.sc.gov.

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South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 22, 2024

Household Hazardous Materials and Pesticide Disposal Set for March 2 in York

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture and York County will hold a household hazardous materials and pesticide collection on Saturday, March 2, from 8 a.m. to noon at the York County Public Works facility, 220 Public Works Road (off Highway 5) near the Moss Justice Center in York.

The collection is for residents only; products from businesses will not be accepted. The household materials collection is open only to residents of York County. Collection of unwanted and unused pesticides is open to residents and farmers of any South Carolina county. Staff will be on site to monitor pesticide collection and disposal and will have final authority on acceptance of products.

Additional details include:

• Quantities will be limited to 2500 pounds of solid and 300 gallons of liquid at no charge.
• Acceptable products include herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, fungicides and similar products used in agriculture production or around the home.
• Prohibited items include empty pesticide containers, rinsate, infectious, biological or radioactive materials, explosives, and major appliances.
• A hazardous material company will be on site to properly dispose of the materials collected.
• Materials should be transported to the collection event in sturdy boxes with newspaper stuffed between the containers to prevent spills.
• Leave items in the original containers.
• Please notify John Stokes at 803-737-9696 or jstokes@scda.sc.gov if you are planning to attend and have more than thirty (30) gallons of liquid or two hundred fifty pounds (250) of solid to dispose of.
• Workers will be on hand to unload vehicles, and citizens will be asked to stay in the car.
• Collection events may be cancelled due to inclement weather, with the cancellation posted on SCDA’s website, agriculture.sc.gov. Possible makeup dates will be announced later.

The Household Hazardous Materials Collection Event is funded in partnership between the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and York County government.

For more information, contact John Stokes at 803-737-9696 or jstokes@scda.sc.gov.

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South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 6, 2024

McEntire Produce Continues Growing Richland County Operations
$26.2 Million Investment Will Create 40 New Jobs

COLUMBIA – McEntire Produce, a full-service fresh produce supplier, today announced the continued development of its state-of-the-art facility in Richland County. The company’s $26.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs.

Operating in Richland County since 1938, McEntire Produce is a family-owned fresh produce processor, repacker and wholesaler. The company also handles the general processing of lettuce, tomatoes, onions and coleslaw mix for numerous fast-food restaurants.

The company will upfit its existing facility located at 2040 American Italian Way in Columbia with automation advancements that will improve production capacity.

Operations will be phased in over five years. Individuals interested in joining the McEntire Produce team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“The McEntire family is pleased to further invest in its Richland County manufacturing facility. The investments planned over the next five years will improve the capacity, enable customer expansion and create more jobs for South Carolinians.” —McEntire Produce President and CEO Carter McEntire

“We are proud to see a company with such a long-standing history in our state continuing to succeed. After over eighty years of operations in South Carolina, McEntire Produce’s announcement today is further proof that our state has the tools businesses need to find long-term success.” —Gov. Henry McMaster

“McEntire Produce’s expansion will create more agribusiness jobs for South Carolinians and more opportunities for South Carolina farmers. I’m glad to see this respected, multi-generational local business solidifying its commitment to our state.” —South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers

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South Carolina Department of Agriculture

South Carolina Department of Agriculture