“Let’s honor what built us and build what comes next.”

Our Issue Areas

the Rooted Forward Reset Plan

Roughly 95% of South Carolinians are not directly employed in the food and farming sectors, yet 100% are affected by food prices, supply chain stability, and economic spillovers. When one part fails, the whole system feels it: family farms struggle, food becomes less accessible and affordable, rural communities lose opportunity, and our land is pushed beyond its limits. Addressing these challenges requires practical, comprehensive solutions that strengthen the entire agricultural system.

Our reset plan and agenda reflect an integrated approach to building a strong, resilient future for South Carolina agriculture.

The Plan and Policy Agenda

  • South Carolina’s farmers should not be limited by outdated or missing infrastructure. Our plan will establish a Regional Agricultural Infrastructure and Innovation Network through public-private partnerships with farmers, local businesses, communities, and our land-grant universities (Clemson and South Carolina State). These regional centers will strengthen food, farming, fishing, and forestry supply chains by expanding cold storage, processing capacity, aggregation facilities, grain handling, and other essential infrastructure. By investing in the systems that support production, processing, and distribution, we can help farmers operate more efficiently, keep more of the food dollar in South Carolina, and ensure our state’s agriculture industry remains competitive and resilient.

  • South Carolina farmers produce incredible food, but too often the economic value leaves our state. We will modernize and expand the Certified South Carolina Grown initiative to strengthen in-state purchasing and connect farmers directly with schools, restaurants, retailers, and state institutions. By building procurement partnerships, cooperative aggregation models, and targeted grant programs for local market development and value-added opportunities, we can create stronger local markets for our farmers. Keeping more of the food dollar in South Carolina supports farm viability, strengthens local businesses, and ensures that families have greater access to fresh, locally produced food.

  • Natural disasters and crises can threaten not only farmers’ livelihoods but also the stability of our food system. We will strengthen South Carolina’s agricultural resilience by establishing emergency response infrastructure, a disaster relief fund, and strategic food reserves that help farms and communities recover quickly after hurricanes and other disasters. Preparing our farms and supply chains for emergencies protects farmers, stabilizes local food access, and ensures that South Carolina remains prepared to feed its people even in times of crisis.

  • The future of South Carolina agriculture depends on ensuring that young and beginning farmers have the opportunity to succeed. We will launch a Next-Generation Agriculture Initiative that expands access to land, capital, and training for new, disadvantaged, and veteran farmers. This includes grants for land acquisition and improvement, expanded technical training and farm apprenticeships, and stronger support for agricultural education programs like FFA and supervised agricultural experiences. By investing in the next generation, we can ensure that South Carolina farms remain productive, innovative, and family-owned for generations to come.