SC Department of Agriculture

SC Department of Agriculture is a state government office in Columbia, SC. The department works to promote and nurture the growth of the state's agriculture industry and related businesses while ensuring the safety and security of the buying public. Their services include retail food safety inspections for restaurants, grocery stores, and food trucks, as well as commodity grading, inspection, and auditing services. They also manage programs such as the Hemp Farming Program, animal feed safety, and the Certified SC initiative.

The department oversees a vital sector of the state economy, supporting more than 22,600 farms and 4.6 million acres of farmland. Under the leadership of Commissioner Hugh E. Weathers, the office manages various agricultural resources, including the Market Bulletin, which has served as a voice for SC agriculture for over a century. The agency provides essential emergency planning and disaster response resources for farms and agribusinesses, including recovery support through the SC Disaster Relief Block Grant for Helene. Additionally, the department facilitates the Fresh on the Menu program, which connects chefs and restaurants with local producers.

The SC Department of Agriculture is located on Senate St in Columbia.

The department is recognized for providing thorough and well-documented information regarding the state's agricultural landscape. They serve as a critical resource for both producers and consumers, maintaining a strong commitment to the safety and economic vitality of the state's number one industry.

The SC Department of Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Columbia community, dedicated to supporting the enduring strength of the state's agribusiness and farming heritage.

Services:

• Certifying SC Grown products
• Ensuring food safety and security
• Event space rentals
• Fishing ponds
• Offering grants and support for agricultural development
• Promoting SC's agriculture industry
• Providing disaster response resources for agribusinesses
• U-Pick grapes