Oconee County Council Takes Action to Protect Farmland and Farmers
WALHALLA, SC — A new Oconee County task force is examining the pressing challenges and opportunities ahead for residents who depend on the agriculture industry in Oconee County.
Oconee County Council unanimously approved Resolution 2022-15 on August 16, 2022—
establishing The Oconee County Task Force on Agriculture, charged with studying the issue and making recommendations to address the county’s farmland decline.
“This is a chance for leaders to focus on solutions for the people who grow our food,” says Task Force Chairman, and Oconee County Planning Commission Chairman, Frankie Pearson. “We know there are pressing challenges, and we really can’t afford to wait to take action to protect our agricultural community.”
The Task Force has begun meeting monthly and is composed of representatives from Oconee County’s Farm Center Board, Agriculture Advisory Board, Planning Commission, Conservation Bank Board, Food Council, and Soil and Water Conservation District Board.
“I am excited to be a part of this task force,” says Natalie Arnold, operator of Choestoea Farm in Westminster, and Oconee County Food Council Executive Chair. “As a fourth generation farmer in Oconee County, I understand deeply the daily challenges farmers face, and I hope the work of this task force will help our leaders support the community producing our food.”
Members of the task force have approximately six months to study the issue and form recommendations for Oconee County Council.
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