December 14, 2006

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas today announced the appointment of Roger Allbee as Secretary of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.

In seeking a new agriculture secretary, Governor Douglas said he was looking for someone who recognizes farms as important local and regional economic drivers, shares his commitment to the promotion and prosperity of the industry, as well as his confidence in the ability of farmers to preserve and protect the land, air and water.

“I sought someone whose vision is consistent with mine and who would—in every case—demand that our agricultural economy be included in every discussion we have about the economic future of our state. Someone who will fight to bring more than stability to this industry—I wanted someone who will fight to bring consistent profitability and prosperity to our family farms. Roger Allbee is that person,” the Governor said.

“Roger knows the challenges of this industry, has learned from the past and understands that we’re not just fighting for a way of business—we’re also fighting for a way of life,” he added.

Allbee, 61, of Townshend is highly regarded among Vermont’s agriculture community. He has served as the executive director of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Services Agency in Vermont since March, 2003. Prior to that, he was a private food and agri-business consultant, a Vice President for Public Policy and Strategic Planning at the Farm Credit Banks of Springfield and a staff member for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Vermont and I am looking forward to helping Governor Douglas advance his vision for agriculture in our state,” Allbee said. “We have before us important opportunities, as the Governor has noted, to introduce more stability and profitability to all sectors of our agriculture industry and I am looking forward to getting right to work.”

Allbee’s appointment is effective January 1, 2007 and is subject to Senate confirmation.

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