South Carolina H 4384: Farm Export Relief and Resilience Act

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 4384 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 23, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 4384

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE 
"SOUTH CAROLINA FARM EXPORT RELIEF AND RESILIENCE ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 59 TO 
TITLE 46 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA FARM EXPORT TRADE RELIEF FUND; 
TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO SUPPORT AGRICLUTURAL PRODUCERS IN 
INTERNATIONAL TRADE; TO REQUIRE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF 
AGRICULTURE, THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, AND THE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY 
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION TO DEVELOP STATE-SUPPORTED CROP INSURANCE; AND TO REQUIRE 
THE DEPARMTENT OF AGRICULTURE TO REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ANNUALLY.

Be it enacted by the 
General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Farm Export Relief and 
Resilience Act."

SECTION 2. Title 46 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

CHAPTER 59

Farm Export Relief and Resilience

 Section 
46-59-10. (A) There is established 
in the State Treasury the South Carolina Farm Export Trade Relief Fund, to be 
administered by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

 (B) 
The fund must provide:

 (1) 
grants or low-income loans to eligible farmers whose operations have been 
negatively impacted by federal tariffs, international trade disruptions, or 
export bans; and

 (2) 
emergency working capital assistance for short-term operations, debt-servicing, 
and crop-transition support.

 (C) 
Eligible agricultural producers must demonstrate:

 (1) 
a significant portion of their income is derived from exports; and

 (2) 
a documented reduction in international market access, pricing, or demand due 
to federal action.

 (D) 
The Department of Agriculture must develop criteria, application procedures, 
repayment schedules for loans, and award guidelines in consultation with the 
State Treasurer and the South Carolina Agricultural Council.

 (E) An 
initial appropriation of ten million dollars is authorized to capitalize the 
fund, with additional appropriations as needed.

 Section 
46-59-20. The Department of Agriculture must:

 (1) 
partner with regional trade offices and federal agencies to open or expand new 
international markets for agricultural products of this State;

 (2) 
develop and promote value-added agricultural products for export; and

 (3) 
host international trade delegations and participate in global trade 
expositions to elevate the state's agricultural brand abroad.

 Section 
46-59-30. (A) The Department of 
Agriculture, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Insurance and 
Clemson University Cooperative Extension, must develop a proposal for 
state-supported crop insurance enhancements to better protect farmers affected 
by trade disruptions.

 (B) 
These insurance enhancements may include:

 (1) 
premium subsidies for export-reliant crops;

 (2) 
supplemental coverage for price loss due to international trade policy shifts; 
and

 (3) 
pilot programs for climate-resilient and market-flexible crops.

 Section 
46-59-40. The Department of Agriculture must report 
annually to the General Assembly on:

 (1) 
fund disbursement and loan repayments;

 (2) 
progress in international market development; and

 (3) 
recommendations for future trade resilience strategies.

SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval 
by the Governor.

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This web page was last updated on April 23, 2025 at 01:55 PM