Gene Hugoson
Commissioner
Appointed July 1995
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Responsibilities:
Administers the programs and functions of the Minnesota Department of
Agriculture. Sets policy directions for the agency and serves as a spokesperson
for Minnesota agriculture throughout the state and nation and within the
Executive Branch of state government.
Background:
- Corn and soybean farmer in Martin County near East Chain, Minnesota
- Minnesota House of Representatives, elected to five terms, 1986-1995
- Minnesota House of Representatives, served four years as Assistant
Minority Leader
Special Interests:
Expanding the development of value-added products in Minnesota and exploring
new international markets
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Sharon Clark
Deputy Commissioner
Appointed July 1995
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Responsibilities:
Supervises Administrative Services, Information Services, and Legal
and Policy Development.
Background:
- Corn, soybean and hog farmer near Madison, MN
- Deputy Chair, Republican Party of Minnesota, 1993-1995
- Board Member, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, 1987-1993; president,
1989-90
- Spokesperson on food and safety, Agriculture Council of America
- Vice Chair, Duluth Seaport Authority
Special Interests:
Promotion and market development of Minnesota food products
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Tom Masso
Assistant Commissioner
Appointed March 1996
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Responsibilities:
Supervises MDA's Dairy and Food Inspection Division, the Agronomy and
Plant Protection Services Division, and the Laboratory Services Division.
Background:
- 28-year career with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture serving
in the following positions: Director, Dairy and Food Inspection Division;
Director, Assistant Director, Supervisor and Inspector, Food Inspection
Division
- Past President, National Association of Food and Drug Officials, 1990-91
- Past President, Central State Association of Food and Drug Officials,
1978 -79
- Past President, North Central States Association of Food and Feed Officials,
1973-74
Special Interests:
Food consumer issues including public health concerns, accurate labeling,
and food emergencies
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Perry Aasness
Assistant Commissioner
Appointed December 1996
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Responsibilities:
Coordinates policy development on federal issues. Serves as liaison
to the state's commodity councils. Oversees the Finance, Certification,
Ag Statistics and Marketing and Development Divisions.
Background:
- Operator, Family Farm, 1984-present
- Staff Member to Rod Grams, Washington, DC, 1995-96
- Delegate to Minnesota Republican Convention, 1992, 1994
- Board of Directors, West Otter Tail County Farm Bureau
Special Interests:
Developing and coordinating legislation, especially pertaining to farm
policy and agricultural issues
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