South Carolina Department of Agriculture

09/17/2026

The 2026 NASDA Annual Meeting is underway and on opening day Commissioner Weathers led a panel exploring strategies for expanding markets and reaching new consumers both domestically and internationally.

Commissioner Weathers was also one of three state agriculture commissioners recognized for more than 20 years of service during NASDA’s inaugural “Years of Service Ceremony.”

📸: National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)

09/16/2026

This past weekend, SCDA Market Development Specialist Michael Cranford represented South Carolina agriculture at the Southern Innovations trade show in Nashville, Tennessee.

Hosted by the Southeast Produce Council, Inc., the annual event brings together hundreds of buyers, growers and distributors from across the Southeast.

Michael connected with industry professionals to advocate for South Carolina farms, discuss sourcing opportunities and highlight the value of the brand.

09/14/2026

It was a pleasure joining Clemson Extension at the P*e Dee Research and Education Center for another successful Field Day! 🌱

Clemson’s research team shared a wealth of knowledge on the latest advancements in sorghum production, insect management, soil health and so much more.

Clemson Extension hosts multiple crop-specific field days in different regions throughout the year. Click the link to learn more about upcoming field days! https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/events.html

09/10/2026

🍂Fall Plant and Flower Festivals are taking place once again.🌻

Join us at each of South Carolina’s three state farmers markets to shop some of the region’s largest selections of fall plants and flowers. Visitors can also browse locally grown produce, handcrafted goods and seasonal gift items.

Clemson Extension Master Gardeners will be on-site to answer gardening questions and connect with attendees.

Admission and parking are free at each event. Learn more: https://agriculture.sc.gov/find-local/farmers-markets/plant-and-flower-festivals/

09/04/2026

Each year our agency partners with the South Carolina Watermelon Association to bring fresh, locally grown watermelon to students and athletes across the state.🍉

The partnership is a refreshing opportunity to connect the next generation with the local produce and that helps fuel our state.

You can find stories like this and more in our newsletter! https://agriculture.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=53c6b800d6fb82fd693266909&id=13e48f8889

08/26/2026

📢 Calling all aspiring young ag entrepreneurs!

Applications are now open for the annual Seeds for Success Entrepreneurship Program!

Apply for a chance to present your agribusiness idea, compete against students from across South Carolina, and earn the opportunity to receive up to $5,000 in funding from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

🌱 Have an idea ready to grow? This could be your chance to turn it into something more. https://acre-sc.com/programs/seeds-for-success/

ACRE Seeds for Success is an entrepreneurship program for South Carolina students (7th-12th grade) currently enrolled in school. The program is designed to help students learn how to build a business plan, create a business pitch, and improve public speaking skills, with the opportunity to be funded...

08/24/2026

🫛Southern Peas have been a staple in American agriculture since the 1700s, and this is your chance to make them even better!

Click the link and take our quick survey. https://msstate.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5bgL119WeiyjzX8

08/22/2026

Here’s an update on the facility fire in Fairfield County. We continue working jointly on the response with the SC Department of Environmental Services and EPA.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Aug. 21, 2026

08/14/2026

Commissioner Hugh Weathers received a special Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina Advocates for Agriculture at the 2026 Advocate of the Year Reception this week.

08/05/2026

Congratulations, Jeff! Thanks for being an incredible ambassador for South Carolina aquaculture—and agriculture.

This next stop brings us to the water. 🦪🦐

Jeffrey (Jeff) Massey, the 2026 South Carolina Farmer of the Year, owns Livingston’s Bulls Bay Seafood, where he and his wife manage the seafood business’s clam and oyster production alongside shrimp and soft shell crabs.

👉 Learn more about his career in aquaculture here: https://sunbeltexpo.com/2026-south-carolina-farmer-of-the-year-jeffrey-jeff-massey/

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