South Carolina’s rural communities are important for our state’s economy. Farmland accounts for approximately 40 percent of land use in South Carolina, and agribusiness generates $51.8 billion in annual economic impact. However, these assets also present the challenge of connecting jobseekers with jobs across distances.
The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce and the SC Works system began an initiative in 2023 and expanded it in 2024 to address this challenge: SC@Work: Rural Connections. These events often include local festivals and community events where attendees can network directly with employers, submit applications, and work on their resumes in DEW’s Career Coach. Rather than people in rural communities having to commute to a job fair, we are bringing the job fairs right to their back door.
Our agency's Growing SC@Work campaign is the latest rural initiative to provide resources and services directly to jobseekers in our state's most rural areas, with a concentration on agricultural work and employers.
We encourage any agricultural employer looking for support in their recruitment efforts to read our outreach flyer and reach out to us at growSC@dew.sc.gov or 803-737-1649 to find out how they can participate.
- Agricultural Employer Resources
Foreign Labor Consultants provide outreach services to agricultural employers including:
- Agricultural labor needs assessment.
- Recruitment of labor for agricultural employers.
- Compliance guidance for federal and state laws.
- Assistance with Farm Labor Contractor Registrations and Renewals.
- Coordination of services and assistance to the employer’s farm workers.
For more information about agricultural employer services, contact flc@dew.sc.gov.
- Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Resources
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs) travel to South Carolina each year to help cultivate and harvest crops in various regions of the state. Because this population often faces barriers to employment, DEW provides intensive services to MSFWs through a bilingual, statewide program.
Agricultural Outreach Coordinators and Foreign Labor Consultants identify and contact individuals that are not being reached through everyday services at local SC Works centers.
To discuss your rights as an MSFW or to report unlawful conditions, call the farmworker toll-free helpline at 1-877-244-4081 | Relay 711. Services are available in both English and Spanish and callers may choose to remain anonymous.
The below links provide more information about your rights and the laws that protect them.- Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act
- Fair Labor Standards Act
- Field Sanitation Act
- H-2A Workers
Agricultural employers and workers can reach out to growSC@dew.sc.gov or 803-737-1649 to find out more about resources and to speak with DEW staff directly.
Farmworker Resources
Agricultural Outreach Coordinators provide quality employment services and referrals to MSFWs including:- Agricultural and non-agricultural job placement services.
- Employment applications.
- Job counseling.
- Job training.
- Referrals to other community services.
Agricultural Employer Resources
Foreign Labor Consultants provide outreach services to agricultural employers including:- Agricultural labor needs assessment.
- Recruitment of labor for agricultural employers.
- Compliance guidance for federal and state laws.
- Assistance with Farm Labor Contractor Registrations and Renewals.
- Coordination of services and assistance to the employer’s farm workers.
For more information about agricultural employer services, contact flc@dew.sc.gov.
Additional Farmworker Resources