At the Statehouse…..
The South Carolina General Assembly kicked off the 2016 legislative session this week. This is the first week of the second year of a two year session. The Legislative Agenda for the South Carolina Farm Bureau will be headlined by the Priority Issues as approved by the Voting Delegates at last year’s Annual Convention. They include:
Disaster Assistance Programs
2015 proved to be one of the most difficult years South Carolina farmers have ever faced. The combination of low commodity prices, severe drought and a relentless summer heat, followed by October’s historic flood, made 2015 one for the record books. Farmers are hoping for 2016 to be a better year, however the New Year brings with it many uncertainties. Before Christmas, House Ways and Means Chairman Brian White(Anderson) announced plans to introduce legislative to help farmers affected by the historic flooding. SCFB staff has been working with Ways and Means staff on the Palmetto Farm Aid bill and to help this package make it to the House floor for a vote as soon as possible. SCFB supports Chairman White’s Farm Aid bill and thankful for his concern.
Repair and Maintenance of Rural Roads and Bridges
Recurring funds dedicated to infrastructure improvements, particularly to existing rural roads and bridges, is essential for agriculture to prosper. As flood damage to our already deteriorating rural roads and bridges becomes more apparent. Senator Ray Cleary (Georgetown) took to the Senate floor Wednesday regarding road funding. He announced a bipartisan Senate Working Group has been put together on this issue and their #1 priority is to get roads repaired. The Group will be led by Senator Cleary and Senator Brad Hutto (Orangeburg)
Agricultural Water Use
Farm Bureau believes sound science should guide the General Assembly and our state’s future water policy decisions. Farm Bureau will continue to influence water policies to ensure a fair and adequate water supply for agricultural use.
Livestock Permitting Reform
Poultry is South Carolina’s top agricultural product; however, due to unfriendly hurdles in the permitting process, South Carolina poultry growers are at a disadvantage to neighboring states. Growers are often faced with the uncertainty of a permitting process when building new poultry houses or attempting to expand their current operation. Farm Bureau will advocate for a more efficient permitting process in order to keep this growing industry vibrant in South Carolina.
Legislative Action Next Week
Following the October flood a bill concerning dam safety was pre-filed by SC House Speaker Jay Lucas (Darlington). H. 4565, Dams and Reservoirs Safety Act was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs. Currently, the bill revises the definition of “dam” and creates a dam size and hazard potential classification system. Changes would be made to registrations, inspection frequency and maintenance, and creation of an emergency plan for dam owners. Includes new financial assurance requirements for High and Significant dams, insuring owners have financial capacity to safely remove a dam if required to protect life, property, or infrastructure.The bill is scheduled to come before Subcommittee next week, in which SCFB will testify. SCFB has met with Legislators, DHEC and other stakeholders concerning this bill.
The Senate Agriculture Subcommittee is scheduled to take up S.846 next week. S.846 would amend current law relating to the transportation of swine. The bill provides that no live swine shall be transported on public roads within this State unless the swine has an official form of identification approved by the State Veterinarian. SCFB supports S.846 and will testify at the Subcommittee hearing.
National News…..
American Farm Bureau Convention: The American Farm Bureau Federation held its 97th annual convention in Orlando this past week. SCFB President Harry Ott, along with voting delegates from our state, were able to secure passage of a resolution supporting cottonseed oil as a crop eligible for farm programs. The policy resolution originated with SCFB through our policy development process and passed in December at the SCFB Annual Meeting in Myrtle Beach.
AFBF delegates elected Zippy Duvall to serve as the new president of AFBF and Scott VanderWal as vice president.
Find full biographies of the newly elected leaders here.
WOTUS: The House passed S.J. Res. 22, a resolution to disapprove the Waters of the U.S. rule finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers. “The EPA rule poses a serious threat to farmers, ranchers and private landowners by permitting EPA to regulate well beyond limits authorized by Congress and affirmed by the Supreme Court,” AFBF President Bob Stallman wrote in a letter to House members. The House passed the resolution with a 253-166 vote. Six of the seven SC congressional representatives voted in favor of the resolution, with Congressman Clyburn being the nay vote.
The resolution has already passed the Senate and will head to President Obama’s desk, who will likely veto the measure.