2019 Industrial Hemp Pilot Program Growers Selected
South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner
Media Contacts: Clint Leach; 803-734-2210; jcleach@scda.sc.gov
Vanessa Elsalah, velsalah@scda.sc.gov, 803-734-8339
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 26, 2018
2019 Industrial Hemp Pilot Program Growers Selected
40 growers to participate in 2nd statewide growing season
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) has selected 40 farmers to participate in the 2019 SC Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. The famers represent 24 counties throughout the state. 19 of the 20 Permitted Growers from 2018 are included in the selection.
Permit Recipient |
County |
| William Dupree Atkinson | Marion |
| Steven Neal Baxley, Jr. | Marion |
| Nathan James Bradford | Sumter |
| Albert Stewart Bueno | Orangeburg |
| David F. Bulick | Charleston |
| Patrick Edward Burch | Florence |
| Jack Canty | York |
| Michelle Diane Davis | Berkeley |
| Kevin R. Dean | Charleston and Williamsburg |
| Vanessa English | Richland |
| Mark P. Ezekiel | Aiken |
| Felicia Roshell Jamison | Calhoun and Orangeburg |
| John Andrew Fogle | Orangeburg |
| Danny Lee Ford | Anderson |
| Thomas E. Garrison III | Anderson |
| Norman Daniel Gibson | Greenwood |
| Dianne Hill Harrell | Florence |
| Deborah Justice | Oconee |
| Kimberly Ann Kitchens | Charleston |
| Michelle White Lein | Anderson |
| Harry Bancroft Limehouse III | Aiken |
| Robert Douglas Mason | Marion |
| Matthew O’Brien | Fairfield |
| Gerard Pick | Pickens |
| Randle Palmer Quimby | Bamberg |
| Shawn Ransford | Charleston |
| Janel Dena Ralph | Horry and Marion |
| Jaqueline Rhinehart | Saluda |
| John Townsend Rivers | Sumter |
| Walter Lamar Scott | Charleston |
| Melinda F. Shambley | Colleton |
| Don Carlos Sharp | Allendale |
| Robbie Lanier Springs | Williamsburg |
| Michael Todd Stamps | Richland |
| Michael J. Tucker | Lexington, Newberry |
| James Ulmer | Orangeburg |
| Richard Alan Varnadoe | Bamberg |
| Joseph Henry Watson | Saluda |
| Joe Edward Wilkes | Fairfield |
| Robert P. Wilkins, Jr. | Florence |
“I’m excited about the increased interest in growing industrial hemp, and look forward to working with each of the 40 growers this upcoming year to continually build upon our state’s agriculture industry,” said Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture.
The 40 permit recipients were chosen from 162 applications. Selection was based on several key factors, including:
- Completed application
- Agriculture experience
- Geographic balance across South Carolina
- Accredited college/university partner
- Purpose of the crop, end use
- Processor experience and location
- Ability to secure needed equipment and financing
Seven accredited universities will work with the pilot program participants: University of South Carolina, Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, Clemson University, USC Beaufort, Furman University and College of Charleston.
“A high priority is nurturing the current growers and the investments they made, risks they took for this inaugural growing season. And as we continue developing this industry, we work towards a goal of expanding opportunities for farmers, so South Carolina can truly compete on a national and international level,” said Weathers.
For more information about the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program, please contact Vanessa Elsalah, 803-734-8339, velsalah@scda.sc.gov or visit agriculture.sc.gov.
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2019 Industrial Hemp Pilot Program Growers Selected Press Release (PDF)