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Robert J. Boggs
Director, Ohio Department of Agriculture
Governor Ted Strickland administered the Oath of Office to Robert J. Boggs as the director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture
on January 24, 2007. As director, Boggs works to uphold the department's mission to protect Ohio's food supply, consumers,
environment, and the health of the state's animals and plants.
Over the past two years, Boggs led the department's efforts to expand the role of Ohio's agriculture sector in the emerging
bioproduct, biofuel, and renewable energy industries. He also led his team in renewing the department's marketing strategies
through the promotion of local farm and farmers' markets, as well as the Ohio Proud and Ohio Quality Wine programs. These
efforts prove to be invaluable in a time when food safety and sustainable agriculture are at the forefront of consumers' minds.
Boggs provides strong leadership for the department's two Bio Safety Level 3 labs, the Animal Disease Diagnostic lab, the Consumer
Analytical lab, and the new Plant Pathology lab. Department scientists in these state-of-the-art laboratories are prepared to
identify viruses, bacteria, diseases, and invasive species that threaten Ohio's consumers, animals, and plants.
As director, Boggs chairs the Governor's Ohio Food Policy Council, Ohio Milk Sanitation Board, Third Frontier Bioproducts
Advisory Board, and the Ohio Grape Industries Committee. He also provides guidance as a member of many boards and
committees, including the State of Ohio Security Task Force, Ohio Expositions Commission, OSU Board of Trustees, Ohio
Lake Erie Commission, and the Ohio Power Siting Board.
Boggs is currently vice president of the Midwest board of directors of the Food Export Association of the Midwest USA.
He is also past president of the Midwest Association of State Departments of Agriculture and serves on the Board of Directors
for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
Raised on a small dairy farm in Ashtabula County, Boggs received his bachelor's degree in government from American University
in Washington, D.C., and a master's in public administration from Kent State University. He served as a state representative
and state senator for 24 years and as a county commissioner for 10 years
Food and agriculture is the No. 1 industry in Ohio, adding more than $98 billion to the economy each year. In addition to
providing leadership for the agricultural industry, the director of agriculture administers numerous regulatory, food safety,
and consumer protection programs for the benefit of all Ohioans.
Updated: October 29, 2009
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