Their approaches to bridging Mississippi consumers and producers are what diverge. Gipson, the Republican nominee for the presidency who has been leading the agency since April 2018, often touts the “Genuine MS” branding program that allows consumers to easily identify Mississippi-made products. Gipson also stated that he has modified certain regulations of the agency to remove obstacles for farmers who want to bring their products to market. Gipson stated that more people from all walks of life want fresh, local food. He cited the increase in farmers’ markets throughout the state over the past decade, which has seen them grow from 10 to more than 100. Cole, who was formerly the chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party has proposed a new solution. He proposes to remove the 7 percent grocery tax on Mississippi-produced foods. Cole stated that although 7 cents may not seem like much, it is the difference between profit or loss for both producers and retailers. Cole stated that while it wouldn’t have a significant impact on the state’s budget, such a change would make a crucial seed money investment in job growth. According to the Mississippi Food Policy Council statistics, for every $1 million Mississippians spends on food produced in-state, 13 jobs are created. According to these calculations, 13,000 jobs would be created if Mississippians spent $1 billion each year on food from outside the state. Although Gipson, a former Braxton state representative, claimed that such a policy was unconstitutional, Cole pointed out that consumers don’t have to pay sales taxes on purchases made in the state farmers market in downtown Jackson, which is a program that Gipson oversees. Both candidates recognize that all Mississippians are affected by the Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s responsibilities. The agency regulates Mississippi’s largest industry, agriculture. It is responsible for $7.72 billion in state revenue. The agency’s responsibilities include checking gas pumps and grocery scales, as well as tracking down tractor thieves and cattle rustlers. Governor Phil Bryant appointed Gipson to the office in 2018. Phil Bryant was appointed to the office in 2018 by Gov. He was previously the chair of the House Judiciary B, and the Ethics committees of the state House of Representatives. Gipson has managed a cattle operation as well as a tree farm. He currently lives in Simpson County on a farm with his family. Gipson’s tenure as Mississippi’s agriculture commissioner has seen him focus on improving Mississippi’s international trade role. Gipson acknowledged that tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump have been a problem for Mississippi farmers. However, he stated that he believes “it’s going in a win-win eventually.” He also described recent shipment of Mississippi chickens to India and a deal with Taiwan for soybeans and corn. Cole, who was the chair of the state Democratic Party between 2001 and 2004, farms 160 acres in Jones County. He mainly raises cattle. Cole recently completed an agricultural economics course at Jones County Community College. Cole stated that in nine months of campaigning, the most common concern he heard from voters was that the cost to eat healthy is too high. This is directly linked to Mississippi’s food deserts. He suggested that administrative changes could be made to reduce the number of middlemen between consumers and producers. Cole stated, “I want more money from the producer and better prices for consumers.” Cole often changes the title of “Department of Agriculture and Commerce” to “Department of Food” during his campaigns. He said that Cole is more concerned with the enforcement and entertainment aspects of his job. A focus on improving access to local food products could encourage farming entrepreneurship and eliminate food deserts. Gipson claimed that his inspectors had already begun to enforce a state law prohibiting non-meat food producers from labeling their products with meat-related words. Gipson stated that plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the law told him they would withdraw their complaint. Both candidates agree that agricultural education should start earlier in the classroom. Cole suggested that elementary school students be given seed packets and that local community colleges expand their agriculture programs. Cole stated that there are a few community colleges that offer agribusiness programs and practical training to help future and current producers learn how to make a business career out of farming. Gipson stated that he also believes in the potential for agriculture and its lucrative nature. Gipson stated that 15,000 agriculture jobs remain unfilled in the state. He cited a report from Mississippi State University’s NSPARC research center. Gipson plans to collaborate with the State Workforce Investment Board and community colleges to create certification programs for specific agricultural jobs. Gipson stated that such programs could help to keep young people in the state. According to the latest campaign finance report filed with Secretary of State’s Office at the end October, Gipson (the Republican in the race) has raised $122,876 thus far this year. He has spent $65,462. Cole, the Democratic nominee has raised $84,539, and spent $27.127. View our #MSElex Voter Guide for more information about all candidates running to be elected to statewide office. Cole has raised $84,539 and spent $27,127.