Agricultural Issues Advisory Committee

Charleston County Council, recognizing the importance and plight of agriculture and forestry, established the Agricultural Issues Advisory Committee (the Committee) in November 2009. The Committee is a joint effort of municipal, county, state, and federal governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector agricultural and forestry operations whose mission is to identify ways to foster agriculture and agri-business in both Charleston County and across the state. The Committee is an extremely effective advocate for preservation of agriculture and forestry in South Carolina, facilitating the flow of information and ideas between farmers, foresters, nonprofit groups, private entities, government agencies, and elected and appointed officials; bringing together agricultural preservation efforts from around the state; and providing links between local producers and consumers.

The Committee has had several successes since its creation in 2009, including but not limited to:

  • Coordinated with the Charleston County School District to help re-introduce agriculture as an educational program and bring educators, students, and local farmers together;
  • Assisted Oconee County in establishing a similar committee;
  • Held a workshop to educate local farmers on the special tax exemption for agricultural real property (more information below);
  • Advocated for the recent passage of the Tourist Oriented Directional Signage (TODS) legislation (more information below); and
  • Recommended amendments to local legislation to allow flexibility for agriculture and forestry uses.

The Committee meets as needed to discuss issues and opportunities across the state affecting agriculture and forestry.

If you would like to be notified of upcoming meetings, please email Planning@CharlestonCounty.org or call the Planning Department at (843) 202-7201.