The Political Beat Candidate Guide: South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture

Four candidates are running for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture this year.

DeShawn Blanding, Chris Nelums (UCP), Cody Simpson (R) and Michael Sullens (LIB) will all appear on the ballot.

We did not receive responses for Nelums, Simpson or Sullens by the time of publishing. We will post them here if we receive them.

DeShawn Blanding (D)

How do you plan to strengthen family farms in the state?

Family farms need a mixture of support: financial, infrastructural, and navigational. Those are fancy words for: money, local processing, and help navigating regulations so they can reach the market. I plan to administer the grants program fairly, but will prioritize small and family farm operations. I also plan to work with the legislature and the Governor’s office to increase statewide processing capability. This reduces the supply chain distance, lowering costs for producers and consumers alike. This also adds to our resilience from international incidents like the war in Iran. Finally, I plan to deploy an SCDA employee - a department navigator - to all 46 counties. That person’s primary job will be to help local farms and restaurants navigate government processes.

With an ongoing drought threatening farms across the state, how do you plan to protect small farms when disaster strikes?Great question. One key point in my policy plan is advocating to the state legislature for a standing disaster program. As of now, the Department has no budget or ability to immediately disperse relief to farmers when economic or environmental crises or catastrophes strike. They have to wait on the federal government; it took them 2 years after Hurricane Helene. I’ve proposed a standing fund, administered and maintained by SCDA to provide immediate relief to farm enterprises within the state.

What policies will you advocate for to bring down fuel costs as the Iran War continues?

Another great question; gas prices and international events are something we don’t control. But we do have control over our state taxes; right now, I’ve written to the legislature to temporarily repeal the gas tax, immediately providing relief to all citizens. I also support approving Red Diesel for use in on-road vehicles. My department’s policy team will provide statistics and data.

What separates you from your opponents?

My top opponent from the Republican party calls himself “Trump’s Farmer. I’m not here to take orders from Washington; I’m an independent voice here to serve South Carolina farmers and everyday citizens. I’ve been an agricultural leader since high school, leading over 650,000 students as the only national FFA officer (Future Farmers of America) elected to represent South Carolina since 1967. I’ve written agricultural legislation in Congress to support our farmers and food system, helped farmers implement sustainable farming practices, and advocated for and worked to change the longstanding struggles small farmers face. My other opponents are farther removed from the agriculture world. I believe I am the best choice for South Carolina residents.