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Gov. Gregoire appoints Department of Agriculture Director

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced her appointment of Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, as director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

“I am honored that Dan has accepted this position,” Gregoire said. “As a farmer and state legislator, Dan brings a wealth of experience to the Department of Agriculture and understands the important role agriculture plays in our state's economy, culture, and our future. I'm looking forward to his success in maintaining and expanding markets, protecting the quality and outstanding reputation of our agricultural products, and ensuring our agriculture families and business remain profitable and productive.”

Rep. 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 currently operates a 600-acre farm in the Sunnyside area, where he grows hops, tree fruits, grapes and alfalfa.

Currently serving his fourth term as a state representative, Newhouse is a past county board member and county president of the Washington State Farm Bureau. Newhouse has also served as president of the Hop Growers of Washington and the Hop Growers of America.

“I am excited about this opportunity to bring a farmer’s perspective to this agency, as well as a diverse point of view to the governor’s cabinet,” Newhouse said. “My commitment is to do what I can to ensure that we, as a state, provide an opportunity for agriculture to be a successful industry.”

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

“Dan is a great person who is a strong leader in the state’s agriculture community,” said Valoria Loveland, former Department of Agriculture Director. “He is familiar with the legislative process and very aware of the issues our state’s farmers, producers, and processors face, and is a perfect choice to lead the department.”

“To have Dan selected from the field of highly qualified candidates for this position is a great honor, and strongly illustrates our governor’s commitment to agriculture and rural Washington,” said Ann George, administrator of the Washington Hop Commission.

Washington’s Department of Agriculture is charged with assuring the safety of the state’s food supply, ensuring the safe and legal use and disposal of pesticides and fertilizers, protecting the state’s natural resources, and facilitating the movement of Washington’s agriculture products in domestic and international markets.

Newhouse lives with his wife Carol and their two children, Jensena and Devon on their family farm. His appointment takes effect February 18. He will be paid an annual salary of $122,478.

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