Hurricane devastation took center stage at the South Carolina House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee meeting on December 4, 2024, as Chairman highlighted the urgent plight of local farmers. The chairman, visibly affected by the recent hurricane, shared his personal experience of losing timber in Edgefield County and emphasized the widespread damage across the region.

Farmers have faced a brutal year, battling not only drought but also severe flooding and damaging winds. The chairman noted, “The farmers are hurting this year,” and expressed a commitment to support them through potential federal and state funding. He underscored the importance of agriculture, reminding committee members that “most of the stuff you've got on your table was put here by a farmer.”

During a recent tour of a pecan orchard, the chairman witnessed firsthand the destruction, with trees uprooted and crops lost just before harvest. He also mentioned the challenges faced by peach and cotton farmers, who are unable to access their fields due to excessive moisture.

As the meeting progressed, the chairman called on committee members to introduce themselves, setting the stage for collaborative efforts to address the pressing needs of the agricultural community. The discussions highlighted a critical moment for South Carolina's farmers, with hopes pinned on securing necessary aid to recover from the devastating impacts of the hurricane.