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It might come as a surprise to some that the county known best for tourism and real estate development still is home to a $10 million tomato industry. And that crop might have more value this year because of a January freeze in south Florida that forced a replanting of frozen tomato crops.
But then again, by the time the tomato harvest begins here in mid-June, today's scenario of skyrocketing tomato prices could be totally different. There might be a glut on the market. Such are the vagaries of farming -- a science that has so many uncontrollable variables.
That's one of many reasons that long gone are the days when a number of large-scale truck farmers operated in the county, shipping a wide variety of vegetables to market by truck and train.
Still, agriculture should remain a top goal for region.
We are blessed with a favorable growing season, and years of experience and expertise is available through the Clemson University Extension Service.
These experts are encouraging more people to till their land in small-scale production. They also are working hard to find new markets for that produce.
A growing number of farmers markets are in place, and a wholesale market opened last year in Ridgeland to match local producers with local food purveyors to get fresh, local produce into local restaurants.
The state Department of Agriculture is now strongly promoting its "Certified South Carolina" program to get state produce into supermarkets and the "Fresh on the Menu" program to get it into restaurants.
Agriculture promotes traditional land uses that benefit everyone, especially when the alternative so often is more pavement, rooftops and congestion.
The state Department of Agriculture says that agriculture and related businesses generate $34 billion annually for the state's economy. Beaufort County should strive to increase its piece of that pie.
