Governor Nominates Seth "Brad" Bradstreet, III, as Maine Agriculture Commissioner

News Date March 13, 2006

        Governor John Baldacci has nominated Seth "Brad" Bradstreet, III of Newport to be the commissioner of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources.
        "Brad displays a deep desire to promote of all aspects of Maine agriculture," said Baldacci. "He has managed a very successful farm for more than 25 years, and has been an active member of agricultural, educational and community organizations. His knowledge of agriculture and his passion for it make him a superb candidate and I am pleased that he is willing to take on this important leadership position."
        Bradstreet is the owner-operator of Bradstreet Farms, specializing in early generation and certified seed potatoes. He currently serves on the Maine Potato Board, and was president of the Board from 2003 to 2004. He is the current chair of the County Committee of the USDA Farm Service Agency. He serves on the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Newport and is chair of the Newport Water District.
        Previous to this experience, Bradstreet served on the Board of Directors for the Farm Credit of Maine. He was a member of the Mid-Maine Young Farmers, having served as president of the organization from 1992 to 1993. Bradstreet also served on the Board of Directors of Maine School Administrative District #48. Brad was awarded the Young Farmer of the Year Award in 1994.
        Bradstreet is a graduate of Nokomis Regional High School and attended the University of Maine. He has been married for 23 years to his wife Debra. They have two children.
        The Department of Agriculture maintains a mission of fostering opportunities for the agriculture community and of promoting stewardship of Maine's natural resources. In recent years Maine's agricultural industry--which has a $1.2 billion impact on the Maine economy--has made great strides to diversify and innovate.
        Following approval of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, Bradstreet's nomination must be confirmed by the full Senate. (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff)