(A)(1) There is created a program within the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to integrate veterans into the field of agriculture and support veterans currently working in agriculture. The Department of Agriculture, the Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Adjutant General, Clemson University, South Carolina State University, and any other institution of higher learning that offers agricultural programs shall work in conjunction to recruit and train eligible veterans, and develop and support the program.
(2) Clemson University, in conjunction with the entities listed in subsection (A)(1), may develop a program that may include, but is not limited to, using repurposed land for agricultural development, promoting high tunnel crops and production, expanding the apiary industry, developing cottage industries, exploring niche crops, raising more livestock, increasing the aquaculture industry and helping veterans promote their agricultural products through farmers markets and cooperatives.
(B) There is established in the state treasury a separate and distinct fund known as the "South Carolina Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture Program and Fund". The fund shall consist of gifts, grants and donations, and legislative appropriations which may be made to support the program. Expenditures from the fund shall be used exclusively to pay costs, fees, and expenses necessary to administer the program.
(C) The Department of Agriculture shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this section.
HISTORY: 2016 Act No. 208 (S.1028), Section 1, eff June 3, 2016.
Code Commissioner's Note
Pursuant to the directive to the Code Commissioner in 2019 Act No. 26, Section 4(C), references to the Division of Veterans' Affairs were changed to reflect the transfer of it to the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 3 - Department And Commissioner Of Agriculture
Section 46-3-10. Duties of department.
Section 46-3-20. Department shall issue food manufacturers, processors, and packers permits.
Section 46-3-30. Commissioner of Agriculture; qualifications.
Section 46-3-40. Election; term; vacancies.
Section 46-3-80. Duties of Commissioner.
Section 46-3-90. Sale of marl or ground limestone.
Section 46-3-100. Arrangements for inoculating material.
Section 46-3-110. Disposition of moneys derived from sale of inoculating material.
Section 46-3-120. Departments and institutions shall furnish information.
Section 46-3-130. Contracts for use of department personnel and facilities by other State agencies.
Section 46-3-140. Annual report of department's work.
Section 46-3-145. "Beneficiary class" defined; department involvement with loan programs.
Section 46-3-170. Suits by and against Commissioner and venue.
Section 46-3-175. Agribusiness license; fees; bonding requirements.
Section 46-3-180. Revocation of registrations or licenses; generally.
Section 46-3-190. Revocation of registrations or licenses; notice and hearing required.
Section 46-3-200. Revocation of registrations or licenses; procedural powers of Commissioner.
Section 46-3-210. Revocation of registrations or licenses; bond to stay revocation.
Section 46-3-220. Revocation of registrations or licenses; appeal.
Section 46-3-230. Release of certain items from restraining orders.
Section 46-3-240. Enforcement of food and drug regulations.
Section 46-3-270. Waiver of remittance of indirect cost recoveries for the Specialty Crop Grant.
Section 46-3-280. Agriculture programs to assist veterans; fund; regulations.