Committee flags timber market shifts, ADM closure and proposed biomass project as issues to watch

Oconee County agricultural advisory members raised two market issues during district reports: the recent closure of an ADM facility in Kershaw County, which creates a near-term need to reroute soybeans, and a proposed conversion of a former International Paper facility in Georgetown into a biofuels/biomass plant.

Members said the Kershaw ADM closure leaves processors and growers seeking alternative destinations for soybeans coming in November; Anderson and other nearby sites were discussed as potential options, and members suggested engaging economic-development contacts about rail-served sites. No specific economic development action was taken at the meeting; members said they would “think about” possible outreach to Cargill and county development staff.

Separately, members reported the former International Paper plant in Georgetown is being considered for conversion to a biomass fuels facility. Committee members said the proposed use is currently slated as biofuels/biomass for fuel generation and will face a lengthy regulatory process that may involve EPA and state reviews. Members discussed watching the Georgetown project to understand permitting hurdles and to evaluate whether a similar facility could be viable closer to Oconee County in the future.

The meeting also included extended comments about the local timber market: members described a decline in buyers for large hardwoods and white oak, long lead times for developing processing facilities, and the difficulty of keeping timber processing local. Members urged continued attention to opportunities that bring processing and value-added facilities back to the region.