SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOCUSES ON STATE’ S FORWARD PROGRESS
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 19
VIEWING THE
Landscape:
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOCUSES ON STATE’ S FORWARD PROGRESS
In 2019, Blayne Arthur became the state’ s first female to hold the title of Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture. She was appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt...
... and serves as his chief advisor on the development and implementation of policy relating to agriculture, food and forestry, according to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry website. She holds the titles of Oklahoma Commissioner of Agriculture and the President of the Oklahoma State Board of Agriculture. Arthur also serves in position No. 9 on the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges. The News Press asked Arthur to share what agriculture means to Oklahoma and the progress she has seen in this vitally important field.
Arthur speaks at a meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
Q: As the Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, how do you see that agriculture has flourished in our state in recent years?
A: We have seen continued growth in the agriculture sector in a multitude of areas the past few years, but especially in our value-added sectors. We have seen how important it is to Oklahoma consumers to buy local products. Consumers want to know who is producing their food and how it is being produced. We have had exponential growth in the small and medium-sized protein processing sector with 41 new plants coming online since 2020. Consumers love the opportunity to purchase locally raised beef, pork and poultry, and I believe they also love the chance to support local farmers and ranchers. Many of our producers have developed strong direct-to-consumer models that continue to thrive and expand.
Q: How does your role help the most critical areas in our state?
A: I have several responsibilities as Secretary
of Agriculture. One of the most important is ensuring that farmers and ranchers have the best opportunities to be successful. We strive to ensure that there are not overly burdensome government regulations placed on farmers and ranchers and that we connect them with resources that help their operations grow. We have a team at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry that is
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 19