Douglas Fisher stepping down as N.J. secretary of agriculture

Douglas Fisher, who has served as New Jersey’s secretary of agriculture since he was appointed in 2009, is retiring from his role.

“I am proud of the extraordinary accomplishments the department, working together with organizations and individuals representing all the constituencies we serve, has been able to achieve,” Fisher said. “Many talented, experienced and caring folks work here day in and day out to serve the public in a vast number of areas such as school feeding, marketing of farm products, food banks, animal and plant health, land preservation, conservation and so much more.”

Fisher will step down from his role on July 1.

Throughout his career, Fisher has served as treasurer of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, was president of Food Export-Northeast and president of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

He’s also racked up plenty of accolades, such as being named Legislator of the Year by the New Jersey Farm Bureau in 2005; being the recipient of the South Jersey Freeholders Southern Star Award in 2009; and being awarded the Thomas W. Kelly New Jersey Food and Council Government Service Award in 2014.

“Doug has been an important partner in our administration-wide efforts to fight hunger and food insecurity,” said New Jersey Governor Philip Murply. “He has advocated for agri-tourism and supported the growth of businesses that are keeping farms financially viable and our agricultural heritage alive. His tenure has ensured that our nickname as the Garden State remains a point of pride for all New Jerseyans. I thank Doug for his years of service to both my and the previous two administrations and wish him nothing but the best.”

Gov. Jon S. Corzine first appointed Fisher to his position, and a year later Gov. Chris Christie supported his continued service, followed by Governor Murphy in 2018.

“Having served in this capacity under three administrations, I have been privileged to work with governors Murphy, Christie and Corzine, as well as many distinguished colleagues in legislative branches of state and federal government and at the USDA,” Fisher said. “My goal always has been to leave the industries and people the department is charged with serving in a stronger position than when I started as secretary, and I trust all those we serve are in agreement.”