MFU cheers confirmation of Thom Petersen as Agriculture Commissioner
April 27, 2020
Today the Minnesota State Senate voted to confirm Thom Petersen as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Appointed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2019, Petersen has led the department with humility, empathy and deep knowledge of Minnesota’s agricultural community.
Petersen served as Government Relations Director for Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) from 2002-2019 and developed strong relationships across the political spectrum. MFU was pleased at his appointment as Commissioner and values his partnership.
“Our MFU members and I are thrilled to have Thom confirmed as Agriculture Commissioner,” MFU President Gary Wertish said. “Thom’s heart is with the family farmers of our state, no matter what they grow or how they farm. Over the last year, he’s demonstrated thoughtful servant leadership, understanding that while agriculture continues to be full of challenges, there are also opportunities for growth and innovation.”
At the end of February, MFU and many other agricultural organizations submitted letters of support for Petersen’s confirmation to the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development and Housing Policy Committee when they held their initial confirmation hearing. Since then, the COVID-19 crisis has prompted MDA to come up with creative solutions to support family farmers during this time, with Petersen’s leadership.
“We are so grateful to have Thom Petersen leading MDA during a crisis as great as this,” President Wertish said. “He sets an example by showing all farmers and rural Minnesotans that they matter.”
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Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture, Working for Farmers (www.mfu.org)