In an attempt to curb the nonstop growth around our state, Governor McMaster just signed the Working Agricultural Lands Preservation Act (South Carolina General Bill HS951) that will preserve family farms and significantly limit agricultural land development.
The new law establishes a ‘Working Farmland Protection Fund’ to support landowners through voluntary conservation easements.
As more people and businesses move to our state, we must protect our farmlands from overdevelopment. Yesterday, I signed a bill that provides farmers with a cost-effective option to keep their farms and ensure that our state’s most valuable lands aren’t lost forever. pic.twitter.com/PlcHEK2PDL
— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) April 24, 2024
According to the SC Conservation Bank, more than 300,000 acres of farmland lost over the past 10 years due to development and urban sprawl.
Under the new law, landowners deriving at least half of their income from farmland can access matching grants for qualified projects, ensuring land remains in agricultural production. The Conservation Bank will assess eligibility based on various criteria and award assistance based on need going forward.
