Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Dave Frederickson announced the appointment of Charlie Poster as Assistant Commissioner. Poster’s responsibilities at MDA will include oversight of the department’s non-regulatory divisions.

Poster most recently worked on the staff of U.S. Senator Al Franken, with a focus on agriculture, energy, environmental and transportation issues. His primary responsibility was to conduct outreach with Minnesota’s farmers and ranchers and with agricultural organizations. Poster served as a key point of contact for the Senator, seeking input from Minnesota’s agricultural community on policy issues.

Prior to working for Senator Franken, Poster worked for U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar in a similar role. He handled energy, environmental and transportation issues. Poster also worked as a legislative assistant for Minnesota State Representative Gail Kulick Jackson of Milaca.

Through his work, Poster traveled throughout greater Minnesota to conduct listening sessions and meet with stakeholders to discuss issues facing the agriculture and food sector. Commissioner Frederickson cited this experience as a key asset for MDA as it seeks to protect and strengthen the state’s agricultural economy.

“Charlie has a long track record of working with Minnesota’s agricultural community,” Commissioner Frederickson said. “His outreach work has given him great insight into the priorities of our farmers and ranchers. He’s going to have an important role to play as we move ahead with Governor Dayton’s plans to create jobs, strengthen Minnesota’s economy and protect our quality of life.”

Poster grew up on his family’s dairy farm near Buckman, Minnesota. His family remains active in beef and poultry production.

Poster will assume his duties on Monday, February 14. He will be responsible for overseeing the department’s non-regulatory divisions and functions such as the Minnesota Grown Program, livestock development, international trade promotion, and the organic and sustainable agriculture program.

“I am excited to join Commissioner Frederickson’s team,” Poster said. “Agriculture is the cornerstone of Minnesota’s economy and it’s a huge part of what makes our state a great place to live. I am eager to get to work helping the state’s farmers and ranchers.”