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Gov. Gregoire administers oath of office to director of Agriculture

OLYMPIA -- Gov. Chris Gregoire today administered the oath of office to former Rep. Dan Newhouse, who will serve as the director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

"Dan is a wonderful choice to oversee Washington's incredibly important agricultural sector on behalf of the people of our state. As a farmer himself, he brings unique insight and knowledge of markets for Washington agricultural products," Gregoire said. "This practical, hands-on knowledge will help our economy as Dan works to open more markets for Washington products -- some of the highest-quality, most respected products in the world."

Newhouse had been serving his fourth term as a state representative, as well as operating his 600-acre farm near Sunnyside ,when Gregoire approached him about taking the reins of the department. Newhouse has been a county board member and county president of the Washington State Farm Bureau. He also served as president of the Hop Growers of Washington and the Hop Growers of America.

"When Governor Gregoire approached me about this position, I admit I had mixed emotions. My wife Carol and I love farming our land near Sunnyside. And as a legislator committed to my local community and with many close friends in the House of Representatives, I weighed my options carefully," Newhouse said. "One thing became clear as I deliberated: As a farmer who cares deeply about the future of agriculture, no position would give me a more visible platform to advocate for Washington producers. That opportunity to make a difference for farmers and ranchers throughout the state tipped the balance."

Gregoire has directed Newhouse to focus on developing strategies to expand international markets for agriculture products. The governor has also asked him to work with the state's Department of Ecology to identify new water sources for Eastern Washington communities, farmers and fish.

"We are truly delighted to have Dan in the position of director of Agriculture," said Vicky Scharlau, executive director of the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers. "Dan's experience as a farmer and legislator give him unique and powerful tools to advocate on behalf of Washington state agriculture. While the economic landscape has become fraught with greater challenges, we expect him to be as effective in export markets as he is in Olympia or with other producers."

"The tree fruit growers of Washington state applaud the governor for reaching out to select a most qualified producer as the director of the Department of Agriculture," said Keith Mathews, executive director of the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association. "Dan Newhouse has experience growing food for this nation, sustaining his family farm and serving his community. Dan is exceptionally qualified to meet the challenges of preserving the agricultural base of the state's economy and working collaboratively to help farmers remain profitable. He will bring a fair and open process to this position, one focused and equitable for the citizens of the state."

Newhouse is a graduate of Washington State University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in agriculture economics and completed an agriculture and forestry leadership program. He lives with his wife Carol and their children, Jensena and Devon, on their family farm.

Newhouse will be paid an annual salary of $122,478.

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