South Carolina boasts a rich agricultural heritage, deeply woven into its economy and identity. Agribusiness stands as one of the state’s largest industry groups, contributing significantly to its overall economic output. In 2020, the total annual economic impact of agribusiness on the Palmetto State reached an estimated $51.8 billion, representing a substantial increase of 40 percent since 2010. This sector supports many jobs across the state. The state’s diverse climate and fertile lands provide a suitable environment for a wide array of crops.
Major Field Crops
South Carolina’s agricultural landscape is shaped by its major field crops, a foundational component of the state’s farm economy. Corn is one of the highest-valued commodities, with a production value reaching $135.5 million in 2024. Farmers planted 295,000 acres of corn for grain in 2024, achieving an average yield of 101 bushels per acre. This grain crop is important for livestock feed and industrial uses.
Soybeans are another prominent field crop, contributing $138.2 million in production value in 2024. 390,000 acres were planted with soybeans, yielding 34 bushels per acre. Soybeans serve multiple purposes, including oil production and animal feed. Cotton is also a significant contributor, with upland cotton production valued at $120.9 million in 2024. The state harvested 221,000 acres of cotton, producing 396,000 bales.
Wheat adds to the state’s field crop diversity, with production valued at $45.8 million in 2022. These broad-acre crops collectively cover over 1.3 million acres of farmland in South Carolina. The cultivation of these staples highlights their economic importance and the state’s capacity for large-scale agricultural production.
Prominent Fruits and Vegetables
South Carolina is a prominent producer of fruits and vegetables, particularly peaches. The state consistently ranks as the second-largest fresh peach producer in the United States, surpassed only by California, and is the leading producer east of the Mississippi River. Peach production contributes $80 million annually to the state’s economy, with 15,000 acres of peach orchards across three main regions: the Upper State, the Ridge, and the Coastal Plains. Over 50 varieties of peaches are cultivated, ensuring a consistent supply throughout the season.
Beyond peaches, South Carolina cultivates a variety of vegetables significant to its agricultural output. Tomatoes are widely grown, including heirloom varieties well-adapted to the state’s climate, such as the Sease family tomato from Newberry County. Watermelons also thrive in the state’s warm climate, with heirloom varieties like the Odell’s Large White and Bradford Family melons known for their sweetness. Watermelons are notable for their high water content, making them a refreshing summer crop.
Sweet potatoes are another important vegetable, capable of growing in various soil types found throughout the state. Snap beans are frequently harvested and distributed through local farmers’ markets. Other vegetables like leafy greens, cabbage, and various squashes also contribute to the state’s diverse produce offerings, many of which are well-suited to South Carolina’s distinct growing seasons.
Specialty and Emerging Agricultural Products
South Carolina’s agricultural sector also includes specialty and emerging product categories. Forestry is a significant contributor, with forests covering 67 percent of the state’s land area, totaling 12.9 million acres. The forest industry contributes $23.2 billion annually to the state’s economy and provides many jobs. This sector yields over 2,000 products, ranging from lumber and paper to chemicals.
Ornamental horticulture represents another important segment, recognized as the state’s second-largest agricultural industry cluster. This industry encompasses products, including nursery plants, turfgrass, and floriculture, generating annual receipts exceeding $300 million. Businesses within this sector provide landscaping services, cultivate trees, shrubs, and plants, and supply tools and chemicals.
The cultivation of tea is a unique agricultural endeavor in South Carolina. The Charleston Tea Garden on Wadmalaw Island is the largest commercial tea farm in the United States and the only one in the Americas. Another operation, the Table Rock Tea Company, also contributes to the state’s emerging tea production, focusing on artisan oolong, green, and black teas.