Kentucky voter guide: Jonathan Shell, Sierra Enlow compete for agriculture commissioner

Democrat Sierra Enlow and Republican Jonathan Shell are vying to be Kentucky's next agriculture commissioner.

The spot has been occupied by Ryan Quarles for the last eight years, but he is leaving because he's served two terms and will move on to be the president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

As head of the state Department of Agriculture, the commissioner is tasked with promoting agricultural products, expanding related markets and increasing rural economic development.

Whoever is elected will serve the statewide office for a four-year term.

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Here are Shell's and Enlow's backgrounds as well as their answers to several policy questions involving the office:

Sierra Enlow

Party: Democrat

Age: 35

Hometown: Hodgenville, Larue County

Current job: Economic development consultant

Previous elected offices: None

Education: University of Kentucky, bachelor's and master's in agricultural economics

Campaign contact information: info@sierraenlow.com

What is the biggest challenge currently facing Kentucky farmers and how would you tackle that issue?

"Kentucky needs a Commissioner of Agriculture who is focused on creating and developing new markets for Kentucky agricultural products, and lets the farmers do the farming. I will be a Commissioner of Agriculture laser-focused on protecting and expanding the economic opportunities of family farms, creating new, good-paying jobs, and elevating the status of Kentucky agriculture. I am a product of Kentucky’s family farms, and it would be the honor of a lifetime to work in their service."

What is your background with agriculture and farming in Kentucky and why are you the best candidate for this office?

"I grew up working on my fifth-generation family farm in LaRue County. I hold Bachelor’s and Masters Degrees in Agricultural Economics from the University of Kentucky. I have represented both the public and private sides of growth in Kentucky communities, and have secured nearly $1 billion in private sector investment, and thousands of new jobs, through my economic development work. I understand what the role of Commissioner of Agriculture is about - protecting, promoting, and serving Kentucky farm families and businesses. My ability to foster collaboration among private, public, and family-owned entities will guide my work as Kentucky’s chief advocate for Kentucky Proud products, including our greatest product - our farmers."

What changes would you recommend for Kentucky’s hemp program, as well as the soon-to-come medical marijuana program?

"As the next Agriculture Commissioner I will be the driver in rolling out new crops, including cannabis, and building sustainable ecosystems around them. This requires moving quickly to initiate grow operations while also building a strong market for Kentucky crops. We can’t let what happened with hemp happen with new opportunities for Kentucky farmers. Our next Ag. Commissioner has to work to ensure a bright future for new opportunities."

What lessons for Kentucky agriculture should be learned from AppHarvest filing for bankruptcy?

"My experiences working in economic development have taught me that 'failure' is relatively commonplace for fast-growth, high tech start ups like App Harvest. The main lesson learned is that Kentucky AgTech entrepreneurs deserve the chance to explore big ideas. Those entrepreneurs also need leaders who will create the pathways of knowledge sharing needed to build upon a cutting-edge project like App Harvest."

Would legalizing recreational marijuana be a net positive or negative for Kentucky farmers and the state as a whole?

"It absolutely can be a net positive, but only if time is taken to find the best entry point to the market for Kentucky farmers. Many families, including mine, have been burdened by unmet promises in the past. The scale of the market requires a focused strategic approach, and significant due diligence by leadership statewide. My record as an economic developer shows that I am unintimidated by large-scale long-term projects, and know how to keep them moving steadily toward success. I look forward to working across all sectors to bring new opportunity to the Commonwealth, and believe entry into the recreational marijuana market could play a role in achieving that goal."

Jonathan Shell

Party: Republican

Age: 35

Hometown: Lancaster, Garrard County

Current job: Fifth-generation Kentucky farmer at Shell Farms and Greenhouses in Garrard County

Previous elected offices: Kentucky State Representative: 2013-2018; House majority leader, 2017-2018

Education: Eastern Kentucky University, bachelor's in agriculture

Campaign contact information: info@shellforky.com

What is the biggest challenge currently facing Kentucky farmers and how would you tackle that issue?

"From inflation to regulation, our way of life is under attack from Joe Biden. Biden’s EPA tried to regulate every ditch, pond and puddle on a farmers’ property. And Biden’s inflationary policies have made it near impossible to get ahead or even survive. I intend to use the Ag. Commissioner’s office to stand up against these out-of-touch policies."

What is your background with agriculture and farming in Kentucky and why are you the best candidate for this office?

"I’m a fifth-generation farmer. From livestock to flowers to pumpkins, I know firsthand the challenges faced by family farmers. I’ll combine that experience with my background in public service and my relationships across the state to serve the Department well.

"I’m the best prepared person for this job, and I want to serve my fellow Kentuckians who feel like they’re looked down on by Washington and just can’t get ahead in Biden’s economy. Our culture, our communities, and many generations of Kentucky families have ties to agriculture. I want to preserve our way of life for future generations."

What changes would you recommend for Kentucky’s hemp program, as well as the soon-to-come medical marijuana program?

"These programs require rigorous oversight from the Department by a Commissioner with experience as both a farmer and policymaker. As these programs develop, I’m the only candidate who has the relationships and experience to protect our farm families and rural communities."

What lessons for Kentucky agriculture should be learned from AppHarvest filing for bankruptcy?

"Kentucky farmers are entrepreneurs and innovators, but too many feel like we just can’t win in Joe Biden’s economy. We need an Ag. Commissioner who will stand up for Kentucky producers against the out-of-touch administration in Washington and from other threats.

"I’m a farmer and have been a policymaker. I’m a commonsense conservative who can work with the legislature to get things done. My opponent lacks my experience and will have zero chance of working with the General Assembly to do much of anything. There’s progress to be made, and there’s only one candidate who can do it."

Would legalizing recreational marijuana be a net positive or negative for Kentucky farmers and the state as a whole?

"I'm opposed to the legalization of recreational marijuana, and the hardworking farmers I talk to feel the same way. I’ll spend my time supporting our family farmers who grow crops and raise livestock that we depend on every day. I have a lifetime of relationships and experience in this industry, and I can work with the legislature to get big things done for our producers."

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky voter guide: Shell, Enlow vie for agriculture commissioner