WHEREAS, changing state and world conditions, disrupted markets, extremely low commodity prices and drought conditions have created a financial crisis in the agricultural industry in South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, the agricultural financial crisis is resulting in farmers and associated businesses being forced to close their doors; and

WHEREAS, many small minority-owned and family farms are having difficulty finding an appropriate market niche; and

WHEREAS, the difficulties faced by large and small farms and the businesses associated with them are having an extremely deleterious effect on rural South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, a financial crisis in agriculture, one of the largest and most important industries in the state, will adversely affect the well being of the entire state; and

WHEREAS, an effective Farmers Market in Columbia could provide some economic relief to this struggling industry by providing a reliable outlet for alternative crops to the more traditional corn, cotton, soybeans, wheat and tobacco.

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby establish a Study Committee to Redefine the State’s Objectives in Having a State Farmers Market. The Study Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Identify the State’s purpose in having a State Farmers Market in Columbia.

• Identify who the Market should serve.

• Identify who will benefit from the Market.

• Identify what components would be necessary for the efficient and effective operation of a Market and where it should be located.

• Identify how capital improvements and operation of the Market should be financed.

• Identify how the Market should be managed.

FURTHER, the Study Committee shall have the following members who shall be appointed by the undersigned, unless otherwise indicated: