Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar will retire at the beginning of January.
Salazar has served in the position since 2011,
“His commitment and dedication to the farmers, ranchers and producers across the state is unparalleled and his successes will continue to benefit the agriculture community and all of the Colorado for years to come,” Hickenlooper said in a statement.
Before being appointed head of the state agriculture department, Salazar served three terms as a U.S. representative in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.
Among his accomplishments, Salazar cited the doubling of Colorado agriculture exports over 2009 levels and after a deadly listeria outbreak in 2011.
“I am so looking forward to being close to my family and working on what I consider the most honorable profession — farming and ranching,” Salazar said.
His farm and ranch in the San Luis Valley have been operated by the Salazar family for seven generations.
Hickenlooper’s office said a search is underway for Salazar’s replacement.
Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948, sraabe@denverpost.com or twitter.com/steveraabedp
