Farmers celebrate new law aimed at keeping farm lands safe from industry and development

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) — Farmers all across this state are celebrating a new law that helps preserve the family farm and a shrinking supply of available farmland.

The Working Agricultural Lands Preservation Act is a critical move for an industry that generates billions and billions of dollars and employs thousands in this state.

Governor Henry McMaster held a ceremonial bill signing on Tuesday morning at 10:30 am at Cottle Farms in Hopkins.

Many farmers were there to share the joy including Amelia and Thomas Rogers.

The Rogers own Tomelia Farm in Ladson, South Carolina.

It’s a non-profit farm they grew and cultivated themselves four years ago.

"Agriculture is our baby and we are losing more of our AG land to big commercial development and we want to keep our heritage intact and this is why we came here," said Amelia Rogers.

Governor Henry McMaster was joined by SC Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers, members of the General Assembly, and other state and local leaders during the signing.

Supporters said they think the plan will protect the family farm and the ag industry as a whole.

"I think this bill will help facilitate people who want to keep their land for farming and not just development," explained Amelia.

The legislation creates the Working Farmland Protection Fund, which will help landowners preserve working agricultural lands through voluntary conservation easements.

"Farmers are the backbone of our state, and as more businesses and people move here, we must find innovative ways to protect our state's most valuable farmlands,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “This legislation provides farmers a cost-effective option to keep and pass down their families' farms while ensuring that our state's agriculture industry remains strong and our most precious natural resources aren't lost forever to overdevelopment."

The fund is stored at the S.C. Conservation Bank and is intended to complement agricultural projects funded by the Conservation Bank, creating a matching grant payment for qualified projects.

Grant applications must meet specific evaluation criteria, which includes the value of the land's natural resources, the economic viability of the property in terms of current and future commercial agricultural activities, and the threat of non-agriculture-related development. The landowner must also derive at least 50% of their income from the eligible farmland.

The legislation also expands the Conservation Bank's board membership to include the Commissioner of Agriculture, Secretary of Commerce, and Secretary of Transportation.

“I’m pleased to join South Carolina leaders in giving farmers options for preserving their working lands," said Commissioner Weathers. "This important new legislation helps us continue to feed people and fuel our economy while protecting our state’s agricultural past, present, and future.”

The bipartisan bill passed the House 100-7 and the Senate 46-0.