New South Carolina law aims to protect shrinking farmland [Video]

HOPKINS, S.C. (WCSC) – More people are moving to South Carolina than nearly every other state, and industry is expanding at an unprecedented rate.

But there’s a downside to that growth: South Carolina is among the states facing the highest threat of losing its valuable farmland.

South Carolina’s commissioner of agriculture, Hugh Weathers, said while the state welcomes growth, a new law shows its commitment to ensuring agriculture — and the family farms at the heart of that multibillion-dollar sector — remain a key part of South Carolina’s future.

“What are we going to look like in 100 years?” Gov. Henry McMaster asked at a ceremonial bill signing for the new law Tuesday morning. “We must be sure that we here today are doing what is necessary to see that we preserve the beauty and the strength of this state.”

The governor said that is found in places like the …