COLUMBIA, S.C., June 18th, 2012 – Hugh Weathers, S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture, is pleased to announce his support and that of the S.C. Department of Agriculture for the S.C. Agribiz & Farm Expo. The event will be held on Wednesday, January 16th through Friday, January 18th, 2013 at the Florence Civic Center in Florence, S.C.
The South Carolina agribusiness industry is responsible for nearly 200,000 jobs with an estimated impact of $34 billion and is the driving force in South Carolina’s economy. This event is designed to bring individuals and organizations together to promote this rapidly growing industry. The estimated economic impact of the S.C. Agribiz & Farm Expo is expected to bring $9 million into the region.
Commissioner Weathers said, “Agriculture is the foundation of the agribusiness industry and the bright spot in our struggling economy. We have a year-round growing season, fertile soil, productive farms and experienced farmers. Our state is located within a 24-hour reach of 100 million people and we have a ready workforce. Companies want to invest where they can enhance their competitiveness and profitability. South Carolina is that place. The S.C. Agribiz & Farm Expo will help spread the word.”
Covering all aspects of agriculture, the S.C. Agribiz & Farm Expo will focus on agricultural equipment, education, commodity spotlights, feed stocks, value-added enterprise, youth development, industry-specific exhibits, and activities. This event will also provide an opportunity for agribusiness men and women to network and discuss the issues of today, what was learned from problems of the past, and planting innovative seeds of the future.
The S.C. Agribiz & Farm Expo’s planning is guided by a very diverse advisory council board which have made great recommendations in brainstorming sessions for this event. The S.C. Agribiz & Farm Expo Advisory Council members include: Hugh Weathers, SC Commissioner of Agriculture; Holly Beaumier, Director of Florence Conventions Visitors Bureau; Rodney Berry, Berry Promotions; Cullen Bryant, Owner of Bryant Farms; Brian Davison, Florence Civic Center; Mary Dickson, Vice President of Marketing with ArborOne; Wilder Ferreira, Clemson University Cooperative Extension; Reggie Hall, SC Farm Bureau; Brandie Hayes, Florence Civic Center; Jody Martin, Palmetto Consulting Solutions; Michelle
McCollum, President of SC National Heritage Corridor; Larry McKenzie, SC Farm Bureau; Jack Shuler, President of Palmetto Agribusiness Council; Kendall Wall, General Manager of Florence Civic Center; and David Winkles, President of SC Farm Bureau.
Participants can register for lectures in subjects such as: sustainable agriculture, education in PrecisionAg, and much more. The advisory council is excited about the “Taste the Experience of SC Agribiz” reception. The reception will highlight folks who have been presented numerous awards that essentially tie into the agribusiness community. Invitations will be sent to: S.C. State legislators and agribusiness industry leaders who will have the opportunity to see the full spectrum of SC agriculture and also how it is highlighted through many dishes cooked and served by some of the greatest SC chefs.
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