FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 1999
Farming in South Carolina: Proud Heritage/Uncertain Future
(Columbia, SC)---South Carolina’s farmlands have decreased from 57 percent to 26 percent in the last century, and current conditions may force even more family farms out of business in the near future. With a two-year-old drought that is heading into a third year, record low commodity prices, changing complexities in world economics, and changes in national agricultural policies, South Carolina farmers are facing some of the toughest times in history. South Carolina ETV addresses these issues in “Farming in South Carolina: Proud Heritage/Uncertain Future” scheduled to be broadcast on Tuesday, January 18th at 8 pm.
Host Jim Welch, Rowland Alston of “Making It Grow!” and Ann Lee McPhail from Clemson University will discuss the current challenges and search for solutions. Panel members include D. Leslie Tindal, Commissioner of Agriculture; John W. Kelly, VP Agriculture-Clemson University; David Winkles, President-SC Farm Bureau Federation; Alfred H. Vang, Deputy Director Land, Water & Conservation-SCDNR; and Harold M. Harris, Jr., Ph.D.-Clemson University. Viewers will be able to call-in and ask agricultural specialists and policy makers questions during the show.
As a prelude, SCETV will air “Farming From the Heart,” two one-hour documentaries that give viewers an up-close and personal look at the farmers themselves---that independent two percent of Americans whose unceasing hard work, innovation and commitment put affordable food on our tables and bolsters a strong state economy. The two one-hour documentaries will air Sunday, January 16th and Monday, January 17th at 10 pm.
For more in formation contact: Kelly Graham/SCETV/803-737-3119/<email:kgraham@scetv.org>. This program press release and others, plus photos of various shows, can be found at the following address: <www.scetv.org/prhilites>.
*** 30 ***