Alexis Taylor Named Director of ODA

Former USDA Deputy Under Secretary Alexis Taylor has been named as the new Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Taylor grew up on a farm in Iowa and said, “Oregon ag is diverse, but it’s also innovative. Coming to a state that has over 220 crops is pretty exciting. There’s a ton of opportunities that’s associated with it, and some challenges.”

Taylor focused on trade policy and market opportunities with the USDA, something she believes will help play a key role in marketing Oregon’s commodities.

Taylor expects a steep learning curve during her first few months on the job, but was attracted by what Oregon has to offer.

“Oregon ag has this great brand that we really can expand upon. It’s about clean water, it’s about clean air, it’s about safe food products, it’s about diverse agriculture, and how do we take that Oregon brand and expand it to other states and to the rest of the world– to other countries.”

Taylor officially starts on January 22^nd.