Thursday, December 30, 2004

Salt Lake City - Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food, Cary G. Peterson, today announced his resignation effective Friday, Dec. 31, 2004. Peterson held the position longer than any other Utah Commissioner of Agriculture, following his appointment by Governor Michael O. Leavitt in January, 1993. "I offered my resignation to Governor-elect, Jon Huntsman, Jr. some time ago, and he has graciously accepted my offer," Commissioner Peterson said. "This move now allows me to devote my energies fulltime to my family-owned cattle ranch," he added. A new commissioner has not been identified, but Governor-elect Huntsman has designated Deputy Commissioner, Kyle Stephens acting-commissioner until one is appointed. Peterson appointed Stephens deputy commissioner in 2002 citing his leadership and numerous professional accomplishments. "It has been a privilege to serve Governors Leavitt and Walker, as well as the many hard working agricultural producers of this great state," said Peterson. "I especially wish to thank the dedicated and professional department employees who carry out our important mission." Commissioner Peterson told employees that the department enjoys an excellent reputation both locally and nationally. "We enjoy an outstanding reputation in our food and animal health safety programs, as well as with our water quality and other programs. I encourage you to continue your exemplary work with our new commissioner, and I am certain the department's reputation will remain high will into the future," he added. During Peterson's 12 years in office the State department achieved: USDA Category I meat inspection status National EPA award for clean water AFO/CAFO program Creation of the Utah Partners for Conservation and Development Establishment of the Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Pathogen reduction: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Establishment of the food borne illness outbreak investigation policy Legislation to create domestic elk farming in Utah First state in the west to develop Ground Water/Pesticide State Management Plan Utah Egg Quality Assurance Program Peterson operates a large-scale farm and cattle ranch in Utah and Idaho. "My operating philosophy is in the continued improvement of the resources, in increasing the profitability of the operation, and to sustain the family business for the benefit of my children, their children and for the generations to come. In so doing, I create a resource that benefits the community and our industry," he added. Prior to being appointed Commissioner of Agriculture and Food, Peterson served in the state legislature for 20 years, both in the House of Representatives and Senate. Ten of those 20 years were spent in leadership positions. As a state legislator, Peterson enacted numerous state laws that benefited the Utah agricultural industry. As commissioner of agriculture he initiated numerous administrative policy changes to facilitate the administration of a state department of government. 4:01:13 PM