Candidate's Forum for the South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture

For the first time in more than two decades, the state of South Carolina will elect a new Commissioner of Agriculture. The SCFB Women's Leadership Committee hosted a forum for the candidates running for the office on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Six of the seven candidates joined us for the forum: Michael Sullens Fred West Jeremy Cannon Danny Lee Ford II DeShawn Blanding Chris Nelums The candidates were asked questions covering a broad variety of topics, ranging from the scope of work of SC Department of Agriculture to promoting and advancing South Carolina farmers. Question 1: Role of the Office (Timecode 7:44) List the top three responsibilities of the Commissioner of Agriculture and tell us how you will spend your time on each. Question 2: Consumer Protection (14:25) Do you believe current food safety regulations are adequate or too strict? Is there a regulation you would like to change? If yes, please explain why. Question 3: Labs & Infrastructure (21:00) The Department of Agriculture also serves the taxpayers of South Carolina through its consumer protection division; however, many South Carolinians may not be aware of the services the department provides. How do you plan to show the department’s value to the average citizen? Question 4: Markets (27:11) What percentage of food purchased for state institutions, like schools, should come from South Carolina farms, and how will you get there? Question 5: Attracting Industry (33:15) Should the Department of Agriculture lead recruitment or should Commerce and why? Question 6: Saving Existing Agriculture (39:48) South Carolina farmers are facing a financial crisis that has the potential to significantly alter the landscape of agriculture in our state moving forward. The Senate has adopted a proviso to provide emergency funding to our farmers. What is your position on the appropriation and what would your office do to support SC's agricultural industry during times of potential crisis in the future? Question 7: Marketing (46:53) South Carolina agriculture is very diverse, and the Department has a tall task of helping farmers market a wide variety of commodities. How do you see the department working with commodity boards to expand markets for our state’s farmers? Question 8: Leadership (53:47) Commissioner Weathers has provided steady leadership at SCDA for over two decades. On day one, how do you assure staff that you, too will provide steady leadership for them and the organization? Question 9: Agency Vision (1:00:25) In your first 6 months in office, what is the single most important thing you will accomplish and what are the first three steps you will take to get it done?