ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, the Senate Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee held a confirmation hearing for Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen.
“Commissioner Petersen is highly respected in the agriculture community,” said Chair Aric Putnam. “He demonstrated that he works well with everyone, regardless of political affiliation and we know that he will continue to be a fierce advocate for farmers across the state.”
Commissioner Petersen was appointed Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in 2019 by Governor Walz and reappointed in 2023. Commissioner Petersen is a long-time resident of Royalton Township near Pine City, where he lives on a horse farm. He has a wide range of experience in state and federal farm policy; and understand how these policies affect farmers’ daily lives.
Committee Petersen’s confirmation passed the Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee with bipartisan support and was referred to the Senate Floor for a final vote of the full body.
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