Farms sow S.C. prosperity

Turmoil in the realm of high finance has triggered investor alarm, costly federal intervention and calls for an overdue return to practical economic basics. But in our state, the most basic — and apparently productive — economic activity is now agriculture.

As reported in Thursday's Post and Courier, a study released by the Palmetto AgriBusiness Council and the S.C. Forestry Association this week documents that farming and forestry have a $33.9 billion impact on the state's economy and employ approximately 200,000 people. That's more than twice the money generated by tourism, which had been considered the state's No. 1 economic engine.

South Carolinians shouldn't be surprised to learn that farming remains a major financial asset for us. Despite rampant suburban sprawl over the last quarter century, we're still blessed with lots of fertile land — and with farming-friendly weather that allows two growing seasons.

S.C. Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers aptly assessed the study as "a great reminder of our roots as a state."

Some other reminders: South Carolina usually ranks among the nation's top two states in growing peaches, near the top in collards, kale, turnips and mustard greens, and in the top 10 in tomatoes and watermelon. We're a major producer of poultry, cattle, corn, eggs and soybeans, too.

And the "Nothing's Fresher, Nothing's Finer" campaign to promote S.C.-grown farm products has extended its reach beyond grocery stores and into restaurants. As you enjoy our home-grown foods, keep in mind that the products of S.C. agriculture don't just taste good. They do economic good for our state.