Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson appointed Matthew Wohlman to the position of Assistant Commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in January 2011. Wohlman’s responsibilities at MDA include oversight of the department’s regulatory activities.

Wohlman owns and operates a fifth-generation family farming operation based in Renville County. He worked as the outreach director for Minnesota Congressman Tim Walz since 2007. From his office in Mankato, Wohlman served as the lead outreach staffer for agriculture, transportation, appropriations, renewable energy, financial services and rural economic development issues in the district. He conducted outreach activities to maintain and strengthen relationships with community leaders, constituents and organizations.

Prior to working for Congressman Walz, Wohlman worked from 2003 to 2006 as a legislative assistant for State Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon, and as an intern for U.S. Senator Mark Dayton from 2001 to 2003.

Wohlman earned an undergraduate degree in animal science from the University of Minnesota, and a master’s degree in advocacy and political leadership from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He currently serves on the University of Minnesota Extension Citizen Advisory Board, and on the board of directors for the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Sciences Alumni Society.

Wohlman oversees the MDA’s regulatory divisions, including the Dairy and Food Inspection Division, Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division and Plant Protection Division.