Douglas Fisher is retiring as secretary of agriculture for the state of New Jersey on July 1, after 14 years in the post.
Fisher was originally approved by Gov. Jon Corzine in February 2009, and he served under both Gov. Chris Christie and current Gov. Phil Murphy.
“For the past 14 years, New Jersey’s farming and agriculture community has had a friend in Secretary of Agriculture Doug Fisher,” Murphy said in a prepared statement Tuesday. “Doug has been an important partner in our administration-wide efforts to fight hunger and food insecurity. 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.”
The State Board of Agriculture selects the state’s secretary of agriculture, who is then approved by the governor.
Fisher had been a Democratic member of the Assembly from 2001 until his appointment. According to the New Jersey Globe, he had considered seeking a legislative seat again, but changed his mind.
