COLUMBIA – South Carolina Democrats are fighting to deliver urgent relief to the state’s farmers with a $50 million proposal aimed at stabilizing farm operations, protecting rural jobs, and strengthening the state’s agricultural industry. The funding would be provided from the state’s rainy day fund, which currently holds in excess of $1 billion.
The proposal, which will be filed in the South Carolina House of Representatives, prioritizes direct financial relief for farmers facing losses amid economic uncertainty caused by the economic policies of the Trump Administration.
The relief package would provide direct assistance to farmers impacted by rising costs. Funding is designed to help keep family farms in business and ensure continued food production across South Carolina.
“South Carolina farmers are the backbone of our rural communities and our state’s economy,” Rep. Justin Bamberg (D-Bamberg) said. “When they’re struggling, it affects all of us. Democrats are proud to be standing with our farmers and fighting to keep family farms open for business.”
Rep. Roger Kirby (D-Florence) added, “This investment is about making sure our farmers can keep producing, keep employing, and keep feeding our state. Farmers are hurting now and we need to do something immediately to help them. That’s why Democrats are doing this – because farmers shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone.”
"We fear up to a third of farm families in South Carolina could be put out of business permanently," Rep. Kirby said.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, economic prices and the ongoing drought have created a perfect storm of challenges for South Carolina farmers. Farm diesel prices have risen 46% since the end of February, which underscores the need for immediate relief.