CODY'S COMMITTMENT

Cody Simpson'S Plan for a Modernized South Carolina Department of Agriculture

Building a More Efficient, Farmer-First SCDA


South Carolina’s agriculture industry deserves a Department of Agriculture that is modern, accountable, and focused on serving farmers — not bureaucracy. Cody Simpson’s reform plan applies proven efficiency principles to strengthen services, reduce waste, and reinvest resources into rural communities. 


Building a More Efficient, Farmer-First SCDA - A Department that Works Better, Costs Less, and Delivers More


  • Modernize outdated systems and processes
  • Reduce wasteful spending and unnecessary bureaucracy
  • Improve support for farmers and rural communities
  • Increase transparency and accountability
  • Position South Carolina as a national leader in agricultural reform


Why a DOGE-style Reform Model Is Necessary

• At the federal level, efficiency reforms have already produced measurable savings and accountability improvements.

• The approach emphasizes contract review, centralized oversight, workforce optimization, and private‑sector expertise.

• Adapting this model positions South Carolina as the first state to implement a comprehensive agriculture‑focused version.

The Six Pillars of Reform

1. Full Audit of Contracts, Grants & Spending - Eliminate Waste. Reinvest in Farmers.

  • Review every contract and grant program
  • Renegotiate or terminate wasteful agreements
  • Redirect savings toward frontline agricultural services
  • Ensure taxpayer dollars produce measurable results

2. Efficiency & Modernization Task Force - Bring in Outside Expertise

  • Include independent auditors and private-sector experts
  • Partner directly with farmers and agribusiness leaders
  • Identify duplicative programs and outdated procedures
  • Recommend practical modernization strategies

3. Technology Modernization - Move SCDA Into the Future

  • Digitize licensing and permitting systems
  • Modernize inspections and compliance tracking
  • Create real-time spending dashboards
  • Improve response times and communication

4. Workforce Optimization & Field-First Service - Put Resources Where Farmers Need Them Most

  • Shift resources from headquarters into rural field offices
  • Expand local agricultural support
  • Strengthen partnerships with Clemson Extension
  • Improve coordination with local agribusiness organizations

5. Refocus on Core Mission Areas - Prioritize What Matters Most

Focus SCDA resources on:

  • Food safety
  • Market expansion
  • Rural economic development
  • Direct farmer support


Programs without measurable impact would be reviewed and potentially phased out.


6. Transparency & Public Reporting - Restore Accountability and Trust

  • Publish spending summaries and contract reviews
  • Release performance metrics to the public
  • Improve FOIA accessibility
  • Expand open-data access for taxpayers and stakeholders 

Why It Matters - A National Model for Agricultural Reform


South Carolina can become the first state to implement a comprehensive agriculture-focused efficiency overhaul.

Every reform is designed to strengthen frontline services for farmers.

The plan combines accountability, innovation, and private-sector discipline.

It aligns with broader efforts to make government more effective and responsive.

"By applying proven efficiency principles, we can build a Department of Agriculture that works better, costs less, and puts farmers first. This is how we strengthen the future of South Carolina’s number-one industry.” ~ Cody Simpson, candidate for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture