COLUMBIA, SC – Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of Agriculture issued the following statement today concerning the Columbia State Farmers Market.
Statement
by
Hugh E. Weathers
Commissioner of Agriculture
Throughout the development of the new farmers market, two principles have guided my actions as Commissioner of Agriculture. One is that the primary mission of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture is to effectively serve the farmers of our state by creating opportunities for success. The other is that I have a responsibility to make efficient use of state resources that have been invested in this project.
Almost three years ago, the creation of a three-entity partnership between the State, Richland County, and the major wholesale vendors on the market had the purpose and potential to address both of these guiding principles.
A vital component of that partnership was the arrangement that Richland County would design, construct and finance facilities for the major wholesale vendors on the County’s land at the new market site. It now appears that will not happen.
It is my responsibility to develop a new farmers market, which was determined by state leadership to be critical to the future of our state’s agricultural economy. In moving forward from this critical juncture, we are doing just that.
We are looking at several alternatives to develop a new market to effectively serve agriculture through an efficient use of public resources. These options involve greater inclusion of private investment resources. As Commissioner of Agriculture, I find this is very encouraging, and I will work closely with our state’s elected leadership and the business community to create an alternative plan that will enhance the economic opportunities for the farm community.
Contact:
Becky Walton
Director of Communications and Public Information
South Carolina Department of Agriculture
803-734-2182