In May, First Monday was pleased to welcome Danny Lee Ford, Candidate for South Carolina’s Commissioner of Agriculture.
Mr. Ford spoke about protecting farmland, saying South Carolina is losing farmland at an alarming rate to development and urban sprawl. Protecting working land is essential to preserving our rural communities, food supply, and agricultural economy. He also spoke about The Future of Farming, noting that farmers are aging and young farmers are being priced out of the land. Without a clear path for succession and affordability, family farms will continue to disappear. The Department of Agriculture must be a true partner from planting to processing to profit—so farmers have a clear path to success.
He stressed that South Carolina lacks agricultural infrastructure and processing facilities needed to support farmers. And the issue of local food and food security. Supporting local farmers strengthens our economy and protects our food supply.
Mr. Ford encouraged the audience to invest in South Carolina farmers and keep food production close to home.