South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers kicked off the peach season at Watsonia Farms in Monetta with the first “official” pick of the season.
The peach trees are in full bloom and everyone is excited as the days are getting warmer, the sun is shining bright, and the smiles are getting bigger.
South Carolina is the largest peach-producing state on the East Coast and is second only to California nationally. Last year, South Carolina actually produced over double the volume of peaches that Georgia produced.
Joining Weathers on the tour were S.C. Reps Tommy Pope, Bill Taylor, Ralph Kennedy and Shannon Riley. The delegation also visited Dixie Belle Farms in Monetta, Big Smile/Yonce and Sons in Johnston, as well as Titan Farms in Ridge Spring.
“Each farm brings a unique perspective to growing the tastiest, juiciest peaches in the country and these farms illustrate the diversity of agriculture in South Carolina,” Weathers said.
For more information about South Carolina peach farms, visit scpeach.org.