Profiles in Power highlights public officials nationwide who are improving their communities through their dedication, enthusiasm, creativity and experience.
This week’s profile is the executive deputy secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Greg Hostetter.
My public career highlights and education:
My career has been in the private sector and public service of Pennsylvania agriculture through roles in county, state and federal government. From Vice President of the Lebanon County Farm Bureau to U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency Pennsylvania Committee member, Acting Bureau Director of food safety to Executive Deputy Secretary, my career has been geared toward being a committed leader in the community and a trusted steward of the values, mission, and vision of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
During my career I have represented multiple administrations and empowered staff to create industry-sustaining programs to keep farms operational and protect agricultural workers and our communities, whether in the face of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza or amid the COVID-19 pandemic. I was also instrumental as part of the team in the creation and passing of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, the first state-level Farm Bill in the nation.
During my time as Deputy Secretary, I was honored with the 2020 Leadership in Action Award by the Penn State Ag Council. Also, in 2022, I received a Distinguished Service Award from the PennAg Industries Association for my leadership in spearheading the response to supply chain challenges associated with COVID-19 and substantial effect and outcomes in assisting the agriculture industry through the challenges.
What I like best about public service:
Using my experience as a farmer and translating the shared needs, pains, frustrations, and inspirations of farmers into effective policy to address them is meaningful work. I strive to represent the farmers and ag producers of Pennsylvania in everything I do. Seeing this work in action daily gives me great pride as we continually strive to make things better.
The best advice you’ve ever received:
A mentor once advised me to be mindful of the sources of information I rely on. Guidance from others may sometimes be shaped by their own desired outcomes. That’s why it’s essential to take the time to verify facts and seek out multiple perspectives. We don’t always need to learn the hard way—there is great value in learning from those who have already achieved success.
Something I wish more people knew about my division of government:
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture encompasses many different offices, bureaus, councils, and programs, all geared to address the diverse needs of Pennsylvania agriculture, to sustain, protect, and promote the industry and keep it competitive. From labs to spotted lanternfly mitigation, food safety, to programs to support dairy farms — we have it all. We are always open to ideas on how to make things better. We strive every day to support Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry in every decision we make. We are all public servants who love ag and work to support all Pennsylvanians.
Current project or initiative you’re working on:
I’m currently focused on strengthening the department’s customer service by overseeing day-to-day budget and procurement operations, while also engaging our workforce to continuously improve internal support services—ensuring we uphold our commitment to public safety and consumer protection.
One thing people may not know about me:
I am extremely proud to have been born and raised on a Pennsylvania farm and to be able to continue that farming operation to this day. Most people do not realize farming is essential to produce life sustaining nutrition – farming is a way of life, but I live to farm!
The post Greg Hostetter: Executive Deputy Secretary for Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture appeared first on Government Market News.