FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2002
SC Corn and Soybean Association forms to promote farmers’ interests
COLUMBIA---The South Carolina Soybean Association along with the South Carolina Corn Growers Association announced today that they will merge efforts to form the South Carolina Corn and Soybean Association (SCCSA).
"We feel that this is an excellent way to have a louder voice in Washington and Columbia when it comes to legislative activities associated with the two commodities," said M.D. Floyd, Florence County farmer, and newly elected president of SCCSA.
The mission of the new association is to promote the corn and soybean industry in South Carolina. Its membership is made mostly of corn and soybean farmers and other individuals who are associated with the industry.
"Corn and soybean farmers make a huge impact on today’s farming economy in South Carolina, and it is our mission to protect their best interest," said Margaret Owens, executive director of SCCSA.
Among the first of the priority items for the association will be to increase the usage of bio-based renewable fuels in South Carolina, including biodiesel and ethanol, according to Floyd.
"Biodiesel and ethanol are two fuels which can increase farm income, reduce our dependency on foreign oil, and be a benefit to the environment," commented Floyd.
SCCSA will be affiliated with the American Soybean Association and the National Corn Growers Association nationally. The new association, with over 250 members, will have offices in Columbia and Dalzell.
For more information about SCCSA, contact Margaret Owens, at (803) 734-1767.