WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Tim Scott’s (R-South Carolina) legislation – The South Carolina Peanut Parity Act – passed the Senate and the House of Representatives as a part of the conference report to the 2018 Farm Bill.

This provision will put an individual from South Carolina on the Peanut Standards Board at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The legislation will now go to President Trump’s desk where it is expected to be signed into law.

Graham and Scott, along with South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson, noted that even though South Carolina has the fourth largest peanut industry in the country, the state is not represented on the Peanut Standards Board. The board, created by the 2002 farm bill, advises USDA on proper standards for peanut quality and handling.

“As growers of our state’s official snack, South Carolina peanut farmers deserve a say in matters that affect their livelihood. I’m proud to work with my colleagues, Senator Scott and Congressman Wilson, on this important bill to ensure South Carolina’s peanut farmers get adequate representation at USDA,” said Graham.  “I appreciate and look forward to President Trump signing this provision into law.”

“Ensuring South Carolina peanut farmers have a seat at the table is incredibly important,” Scott said. “I want to thank Senator Graham for working together on this important bill, and I look forward to sharing some South Carolina boiled peanuts with our colleagues soon!”

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