Legal & Regulatory

As nuisance lawsuits and policy changes relating to agribusiness operations occurring in other states continue to negatively impact the agribusiness industry as a whole, “safe harbor” solutions should be considered within SC either by strengthening the SC Right to Farm statutory provisions or through other available legislative considerations for SC agriculture and forestry.  PABC will support efforts in this regard proposed by our member organizations to protect ongoing agribusiness operations.

Within SC, there remains a need for tort reform with specific attention directed at modifying “joint and several liability” in civil litigation and moving toward limiting liability to the level of responsibility proven during litigation and assigned to a given individual or entity.  Policy addressing specific punitive damage considerations need to be considered.  PABC supports changing South Carolina law so that each person/entity should pay damages based upon that person/entities actual share of fault.  PABC also supports consideration of policy changes addressing punitive damages in litigation which changes would provide for fair and equitable legal awards.

Concerns have increased relative to lawsuits regarding essential supply chain input needs such as, but not limited to, seed, fertilizer, herbicides, insecticides and pesticides which litigation is considered frivolous or unmerited.  PABC supports policy considerations which limit such litigation.

PABC supports the private property rights of agricultural and timberland owners.