Stephen H. Taylor is commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food for the state of New Hampshire, serving since 1983 under four different governors. He is responsible for a wide range of activities including protecting food quality and safety, upholding commercial market standards, assuring animal and plant health, safeguarding the environment and fostering the economic security of the state's agricultural industry. He is a lifelong New Hampshire resident who has served in various elected and appointive positions at the community and state levels and is active in numerous charitable and civic organizations. Taylor is a trustee of the University System of New Hampshire and Leadership New Hampshire. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire, served in the United States Army, and has been a daily newspaper reporter and editor. He speaks and writes frequently on agricultural, natural resource and rural development issues for a variety of audiences and publications. He is a partner with his wife, Gretchen, and their three sons operating a family run dairy and crop farm in their hometown of Meriden Village.