New ag commissioner Frederickson draws praise
By Heather Thorstensen
hthorstensen@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 01/17/2011 3:46 PM
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ST. PAUL— Minnesota's farm leaders are praising Governor Mark Dayton's appointment of David Frederickson as the state's next commissioner of agriculture.
Frederickson, 66, a former farmer, state senator and president of Minnesota Farmers Union and National Farmers Union was appointed Dec. 21. He was most recently U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar's agricultural outreach director.
As ag commissioner, he will lead the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, which works to protect the state's food supply and natural resources while improving the agricultural economy.
Minnesota Farmers Union President Doug Peterson called the appointment a good thing for the state's farmers. He worked with Frederickson in the state Legislature in 1991 and 1992, while Peterson served in the House and Frederickson served in the Senate. They each sat on their chamber's agriculture committees.
"The Dayton administration has made a very wise choice," Peterson said. "...Having been a farmer who's gone through the tough times, he fully understands the challenges to rural Minnesota and especially farming."
Frederickson's commitment to public service will help him be a good ag commissioner, Peterson said.
"Public service has been his main focus since I've known him. It's hard to find that these days," said Peterson.
Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Kevin Paap also has an established working relationship with Frederickson. He's happy with the amount of experience the new commissioner brings to the table and said Frederickson has a demonstrated ability of working with all farmers and farm organizations.
"I have a very good relationship with Dave and Minnesota Farm Bureau is excited to see he's our next commissioner," Paap said.
Gene Hugoson, who was Minnesota's ag commissioner since 1995, called Frederickson on the day of his appointment to congratulate him and offer his help for a smooth transition into the post.
They've known each other since 1986, the year both were elected to the Legislature.
"I certainly think he's a good choice and I think he'll do a good job," Hugoson said, citing Frederickson's farm background, his understanding of how important it is for the agency to work with the Legislature and his experience and connections from being a leader on a national level.
"He's going to inherit a great group of people," Hugoson said, referring to MDA staff.
Hugoson's tenure expired when Dayton was sworn in to replace Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Jan. 3.