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Tom Beaver - Click to enlarge

For Immediate Release: November 15, 2016
Contact: Jeff Wolfe
(609) 633-2954
jeff.wolfe@ag.state.nj.us

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher today announced the appointment of Thomas Beaver, of Mt. Laurel, as Director of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Division of Marketing and Development. Beaver had previously spent eight years with the New Jersey Farm Bureau. He replaces Al Murray who is retiring November 30th.

“Tom Beaver has a wealth of experience, having spent much of his career working in the farm community, advancing the interests of agriculture in the Garden State,” Secretary Fisher said. “We look forward to working with him on the many new developments that are facing our industry, and the opportunities we see going forward. 

Beaver was a public affairs representative for the New Jersey Farm Bureau from 2008-2016. He directed outreach initiatives and coordinated the development of broad-based coalitions with key trade associations and commodity organizations. He also directed marketing and outreach initiatives to promote the state’s agricultural industry.

Beaver earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a master’s in public policy and administration from Rutgers University. He also worked as a graduate research assistant at the Sen. Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers.

“From managing the prestigious Jersey Fresh program to positioning New Jersey producers at the forefront as new food safety regulations take effect, the division plays a key role in helping to ensure New Jersey agriculture remains an economic powerhouse in an increasingly competitive environment,” Beaver said. “I'm looking forward to working alongside the Secretary of Agriculture, the State Board of Agriculture and the incredibly talented staff within the division to continue to advance the interests of the industry.”

The Division of Marketing and Development plays a critical role in enhancing the markets of New Jersey farm products by developing and expanding markets, both here and abroad.

The Division provides regulatory and service programs to the agricultural community, in accordance with policies of the State Board of Agriculture and the state so as to enable abundant supplies of fresh, wholesome agricultural commodities and products.

The Division also provides an array of marketing and regulatory services that benefit the agricultural community and the public. The Bureau of Market Development and Product Promotion and the Economic Development section help farmers access new markets, as well as work to improve bottom line efficiencies on the farm. Inspectors from the Bureau of Commodity Inspection and Grading ensure that the public receives quality produce, seafood, poultry and

egg products. The agricultural chemistry bureau inspects and certifies various fertilizers and feeds purchased by New Jersey farmers. The Equine Industry programs provide equine services as well as administer the Sire Stakes program.