Pennsylvania's agriculture secretary resigns.
Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell announced Russell Redding as his nominee to replace Dennis Wolff as the state agriculture secretary following Wolff's resignation, which is effective September 12.
Rendell thanked Wolff for his service and said he worked effectively to implement a number of programs and initiatives to support the state's agriculture and agriculture equipment industries, which make up a major part of the state economy.
Wolff worked to launch the PA Preferred program and the centers of beef and dairy excellence, which help farmers in those industries improve profitability. He also led efforts to improve Pennsylvania's food safety oversight and enact the Agricultural Communities and Rural Environments initiative, or ACRE, that helps protect farmers from local ordinances.
Wolff's replacement Redding has served the department since April 1995, when he served as a deputy secretary. In 2003, he was named executive deputy secretary and assumed the day-to-day operational and administrative oversight responsibilities for the entire department.
"Russell is one of the most respected individuals in Pennsylvania agriculture today," Rendell said.
Redding's nomination as secretary is subject to confirmation by the state Senate.
