Agriculture and forestry together represent the top revenue-generating industry in South Carolina, according to Clemson University agronomist and biomass specialist, Jim Frederick. Corn, cotton, tobacco, and soybeans have historically been the top-producing revenue crops in the state, with the Pee Dee and other regions on the Coastal Plain considered the bread basket for production. New agribusinesses and bioenterprises are needed to boost the rural economies of South Carolina. The I-95 Corridor, which runs through the heart of the Coastal Plain, is considered an area of great need due to its high poverty rates, poor quality of education, and high unemployment. To address these problems, coordinated efforts are needed to attract new industries to the I-95 Corridor, especially those associated with agriculture and forestry, the traditional backbone of most rural economies. Many agencies and organizations in South Carolina are interested in seeing the I95 Corridor improve and attract new agribusiness and bioenterprises.
To help address these issues, Clemson University, Francis Marion University, and Florence-Darlington Technical College will host the free, two-day Bioenterprise and I-95 Rural Economic Summit on Sept. 19 and 20 at the Pee Dee Research & Education Center in Florence.
Bhakti Larry Hough interviews Professor Fredrick, the summit coordinator, about the summit on the current edition of Insight.
The summit is free and open to everyone on a first to register basis. Information about the summit, including the agenda, registration instructions, becoming an exhibitor, and directions, can be found at www.scbioenterprises.com.
