Although most of the peanut field provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill are the same, there is a change for producers of one state.
U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the South Carolina Peanut Parity Act, which was included in the Farm Bill and passed the Senate and the House of Representatives as a part of the conference report.
This provision was included to allow for a South Carolina producer or processor on USDA’s Peanut Standards Board. The board was formed with the passage of the 2002 Farm Bill and serves to advise USDA on standards for peanut quality and handling.
Graham and Scott, along with South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson, noted that even though South Carolina has the fourth largest peanut industry in the country, the state was not represented on the board.
As reported by The Times and Democrat, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Sen. Graham said, “As growers of our state’s official snack, South Carolina peanut farmers deserve a say in matters that affect their livelihood. I’m proud to work with my colleagues, Sen. Scott and Congressman Wilson, on this important bill to ensure South Carolina’s peanut farmers get adequate representation at USDA. I appreciate and look forward to President Trump signing this provision into law.”
“Ensuring South Carolina peanut farmers have a seat at the table is incredibly important,” Scott said. “I want to thank Sen. Graham for working together on this important bill, and I look forward to sharing some South Carolina boiled peanuts with our colleagues soon!”
I know South Carolina producers appreciate a team of senators and congressmen who will work hard on their behalf.
