Palmetto State Hospitality Leaders Launch “Farm to Table Coalition” in Support of Cody Simpson

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

COLUMBIA, SC – Cody Restaurant owners, chefs, hospitality leaders, and food industry leaders from across South Carolina today announced the launch of the Cody for SC Farm to Table Coalition, supporting Cody Simpson, President Trump and Governor McMaster-endorsed candidate for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture.

The coalition highlights the vital partnership between South Carolina’s food producers, the restaurants, and hospitality businesses that rely on locally grown products every day. Members of the coalition say Simpson’s deep roots in agriculture and commitment to strengthening local food systems make him the right leader to serve as the state’s next Commissioner of Agriculture.

"Cody Simpson is the trusted leader South Carolina can count on to support our food producers, our small businesses, and our families," said Robert Williams, one of the Coalition's Midland Co-Chairs. "Cody Simpson has proven time-and-again his passion and commitment to preserving and protecting what makes South Carolina so special while also growing our economy and supporting local job-creators."

Additional chairs of the coalition include:

Tommy Hall - Charleston County - Lowcountry Co-Chair

McKenzie Flashnick - Lexington County - Midlands Co-Chair

Weston Marvin - Berkeley County - Lowcountry Co-Chair

Carl Sobocinski - Greenville County - Upstate Co-Chair

Henry Swink - Florence County - Pee Dee Co-Chair

Whitney Prince - Horry County- Pee Dee Co-Chair

Ashley Trantham - Greenville County - Upstate Co-Chair

Robert Williams - Richland County - Midlands Co-Chair

Simpson, a fifth-generation South Carolina farmer and trusted appointee of President Donald Trump & Governor McMaster, has spent his career working to strengthen the state’s agricultural economy. He previously served as South Carolina State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency during the Trump Administration and as Agriculture Advisor to Governor Henry McMaster.

“As a fifth-generation farmer, I understand the work, sacrifice, and pride that go into producing the food that feeds our communities,” Simpson said. “I’m honored to have the support of restaurant and hospitality leaders across South Carolina who rely on our food producers every day. With President Trump’s endorsement and the support of leaders across our state, I’m running for Commissioner of Agriculture to strengthen the connection between the people who grow our food and the people who serve it. That means cutting red-tape so more local food can move from our farms to our restaurants, protecting farmers and small businesses from excessive lawsuits, and fighting to lower taxes so South Carolina businesses can grow and thrive. When South Carolina restaurants serve locally grown food, they support family farms, strengthen our economy, and showcase the very best of our state."

More information about the coalition and how chefs, restaurant owners, hospitality leaders, and other food industry professionals can join is available at: www.CodyForSC.com/FarmToTableCoalition

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