SC Commissioner Hugh Weathers: COVID-19 Update

Posted on Posted in Daily Ag Summary, Featured Stories, SC Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers, Top Ag Headlines

As state and city regulations are put in place to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture is providing valuable resources and information to farmers, processors and the general public. Here to tell us more is SC Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers.

  • As individuals and businesses adapt to new and unprecedented restrictions, so is SCDA.
  • We’ve been pushing to make sure state and local leaders recognize that farmers markets are just as essential as grocery stores when it comes to feeding Americans. Our own State Farmers Markets remain open, offering farmers a way to sell their products directly to people.
  • We have also created a list on our website of direct-to-consumer produce opportunities, organized by region. The list offers people an easy way to find nearby farm-fresh food.
  • Supporting local farmers, businesses and distributors is important now more than ever, and you can still do it safely. We’ve released a tip sheet for farmers markets to promote safety, including distancing vendors from each other and asking customers to maintain six feet of physical distance from each other.
  • SCDA is making sure that agriculture is protected as an essential industry to the state. The Department of Homeland Security defines “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” to include food, agriculture and transportation workers – and we’ve helped amplify that message, letting state and local leaders know that the food supply chain depends on agriculture staying on the job.
  • Please visit agriculture.sc.gov/coronavirus and follow us on social media for updates and helpful information.