Agribusiness is the true homegrown industry of South Carolina. With a 23% growth rate over the last decade, it’s also one of the Palmetto State’s fastest-growing industries. Contributing an annual economic impact of more than $41 billion and accounting for approximately 98,000 direct jobs statewide, agriculture products and food production are as important to our future as they have been to our past.

South Carolina is perfect for the expansion of agricultural operations. The state’s growing network of agribusiness-related companies and suppliers distributed across every county in the state, includes family-owned and operated farms, large scale private farms, livestock producers, major food processors and manufacturers, wood products producers and more.

Why is SC Just Right for Agribusiness?

Source: South Carolina Department of Commerce

Growing Smart Investments

South Carolina’s growing network of agribusiness-related companies and suppliers, distributed across every county in the state, includes family owned and operated farms, large scale private farms, livestock producers, major food manufacturers and processors, and wood and timber related companies of all sizes. Several key components make this state fertile ground for agribusiness growth. For new businesses or ones with expansion or relocation plans, South Carolina has an offer many industries find hard to refuse.

Food & Beverage Industry

There is a good reason why more than 26,900 farmers who keep 4.8 million acres of farmland alive and growing call South Carolina home. The Palmetto State is a prime example of a place where communities understand and appreciate the work of their farmers.

Many South Carolinians who aren’t directly linked to farming today still have family roots in agriculture and go above and beyond to foster the growth of agriculture in our state. With the enthusiasm our consumers have for local food, it’s easy to understand how programs like Certified SC Grown have grown to be such a success.

Specialty Foods & Manufactured Products

South Carolina’s agricultural industry has a long history and has been a vital component of the Palmetto state’s economy for hundreds of years. Food processing continues to grow in importance to our state. From apples to zucchini, South Carolina has much to offer in this area of agriculture. From commercial production for national sales and distribution to localized production, exciting and diverse opportunities are available in consumer-driven products.

Fruits & Vegetables

South Carolina ranks near the top nationally in several categories of fruit and vegetable production. In a normal production year, South Carolina peaches rank second in the nation for the fresh market. South Carolina also ranks at or near the top nationally in fresh market production of leafy greens such as collards, kale, turnips, and mustard. In addition, items such as tomatoes and watermelons consistently rank in the top ten each year in overall production.

Also, other high-ranking items include, peanuts, poultry, white and red potatoes and sweet potatoes. The diversity of fruit and vegetable crops in our state continues to increase and the overall agribusiness impact is $34 billion, and that number continues to grow.