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New agribusiness center to bring 1,547 jobs to Hampton County
The $314 million Agriculture Technology Campus cluster, a joint venture for growing and distributing local produce, is projected to have an annual economic impact of nearly $552 million.
Federal grant to help teach residents about birds and bees
The Urban Agriculture Conservation grant will help maintain a pollinator conservation initiative at Pinewood Lake Park in Richland County. A video series featuring virtual garden tours begins Wednesday.
USDA officials identify 14 species in unsolicited seed packages
The S.C. Department of Agriculture and Clemson University are investigating instances of S.C. residents receiving unsolicited seed packages. The U.S Department of Agriculture said the seeds may be part of a "brushing" scam.
Mystery seeds showing up in S.C. mailboxes
The S.C. Department of Agriculture and Clemson University are investigating instances of residents receiving unsolicited seed packages from China. Similar packages have been received in Washington state, Virginia and Utah.
S.C. hemp farming plan receives federal approval
The state plan includes new testing methods and sampling requirements for 2020, the third year of S.C.'s hemp farming program. The S.C. Department of Agriculture is reviewing around 350 applicants to farm hemp this year.
Agricultural entrepreneurship program accepting applications
Applications for the Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship's spring program are being accepted through May 1. The ACRE program offers mentoring and targeted funding to entrepreneurs in farming and related fields.
Agriculture department accepting specialty crop grant applications
The S.C. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is designed to enhance competitiveness for specialty crops. It is administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Agriculture and art tour coming to Lexington County
The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour, which will introduce visitors to locally grown food and area artisans, will come to Lexington County June 13-14. The tour will make stops in 10 other counties, including Richland.
Hemp farming applications being accepted through March 31
In the third year of the state hemp farming program, there is no limit on the number of permits that can be issued by the S.C. Department of Agriculture. Last year, 114 farmers and 43 processors participated in the program.
South Carolina now drought-free
When the S.C. Drought Response Committee met last in December, 27 counties remained in drought status. On Thursday, the committee upgraded those counties to normal drought level.
State launches Mobile Irrigation Laboratory pilot project
Selected farmers can have their irrigation systems audited for water and energy use in the 3-year pilot Mobile Irrigation Laboratory project. The project will help determine if a permanent, free program can be offered to S.C. farmers.
S.C. Agriculture Department requests changes in federal hemp rules
S.C. Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers presented several concerns regarding the USDA's interim final rule on hemp in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.
