New York agriculture commissioner announces departure
New York agriculture commissioner announces departure
New York Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers announced his resignation from state service, effective Dec. 11, 2005. Mr. Rudgers has led the department of agriculture and markets since June 1999.
"I am blessed to have had the experience of working for Governor Pataki, who has expanded the opportunities for farmers and the agricultural sector in New York," Mr. Rudgers said. "It has been my pleasure to lead a skilled and dedicated team at the department of agriculture and markets."
During his tenure, Mr. Rudgers played a critical role in achieving the governor's agricultural priorities in the areas of agricultural economic development, environmental stewardship and food safety and security. Among the highlights of his career as state agriculture commissioner, Mr. Rudgers administered the governor's Grow New York program, a multi-faceted economic development program that has provided over $4 million in competitive grants for projects that will enhance the economic viability of New York agriculture and enhanced the Pride of New York program, the state's branding program for food and agricultural products grown and processed in New York state, which now boasts more than 1,500 members.
Mr. Rudgers began his tenure with the department in 1995, serving as deputy commissioner, first deputy commissioner and then acting commissioner. Prior to joining the Pataki administration, he worked for several agribusiness firms in the Northeast involving the dairy industry and agricultural economics. He will continue his leadership on agricultural issues as senior vice president and director for business development for Western New York Farm Credit, an agricultural financial institution based in Batavia, NY.
"I am blessed to have had the experience of working for Governor Pataki, who has expanded the opportunities for farmers and the agricultural sector in New York," Mr. Rudgers said. "It has been my pleasure to lead a skilled and dedicated team at the department of agriculture and markets."
During his tenure, Mr. Rudgers played a critical role in achieving the governor's agricultural priorities in the areas of agricultural economic development, environmental stewardship and food safety and security. Among the highlights of his career as state agriculture commissioner, Mr. Rudgers administered the governor's Grow New York program, a multi-faceted economic development program that has provided over $4 million in competitive grants for projects that will enhance the economic viability of New York agriculture and enhanced the Pride of New York program, the state's branding program for food and agricultural products grown and processed in New York state, which now boasts more than 1,500 members.
Mr. Rudgers began his tenure with the department in 1995, serving as deputy commissioner, first deputy commissioner and then acting commissioner. Prior to joining the Pataki administration, he worked for several agribusiness firms in the Northeast involving the dairy industry and agricultural economics. He will continue his leadership on agricultural issues as senior vice president and director for business development for Western New York Farm Credit, an agricultural financial institution based in Batavia, NY.