ag-formation

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                                  Telephone (803) 734-2210

D. LESLIE TINDAL, COMMISSIONER                                        Becky Walton, Director of Public Information

P.O. Box 11280, Columbia, South Carolina 29211                                                       bwalton@scda.state.sc.us

www.scda.state.sc.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2000

(NEW JERSEY)---South Carolina Department of Agriculture officials and Representative Bill Bowers of Hampton recently led a delegation of producers and agricultural industry representatives to the 29th annual Eastern Produce Council reception, dinner, and presentation in Teaneck, New Jersey.  The Eastern Produce Council is the Palmetto State’s vital link to marketing fresh fruit and vegetables in the northeast. The 150-member organization of Greater New York/New Jersey Metro Area buyers, merchandisers, and retailers purchases 25 to 30% of South Carolina’s fresh produce each year.

Representative Bowers said to the buyers, "To be successful, produce must be recognized in the market, be trusted by the consumer, and stand for product quality and reliability.  Consumers trust South Carolina Quality produce."  He added, "I’m very proud of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s "South Carolina Quality" program.  Through this program, our growers and packers concentrate on producing and shipping the best quality fruits and vegetables and other agricultural products possible."

Representative Bowers is also a member of the House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee.  Because so many of the people in his district (House District 120)  depend on agriculture, he stays tuned to legislative issues which may affect agriculture and agribusiness.  Produce industry representatives---Bud Bowers-Hampton County, Marion Riser-Colleton County, Lynne Chappell-Allendale County, and Bennie Hughes-Bamberg County---accompanied Representative Bowers.

In addition, Martin Eubanks, Bob McCurry, and Wayne Mack-Director of Marketing and Promotion served as hosts for the event and presented the 2000 SC Fruit and Vegetable Forecast to the Council members.

“South Carolina has the location, climate, and transportation system necessary to move produce overnight from the state’s fields and orchards to the Eastern Produce Council marketing area” said Representative Bowers.  "That means our growers can harvest a peach today and get it to them tomorrow,”he added.  "We can also grow fresh produce year round because of our mild climate and exciting new technology.  Our products are known to be high quality at very competitive prices---and South Carolina growers offer a consistent supply."

For more information about South Carolina’s fruit and vegetable industry or the Eastern Produce Council reception and presentation, call Wayne Mack, (803) 734-2200.