Kovacs Named Deputy Administrator At AMS

A former member of the Washington state Department of Agriculture has been promoted within AMS.  Tricia Kovacs has been appointed deputy administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service’s Transportation and Marketing Program.  Kovacs joined the AMS in 2016 as the local and regional food systems policy advisor, playing a key role in coordinating AMS and Rural Development implementation of the Local Agricultural Markets Program.

Prior to her time with USDA, Kovacs managed regional market programs at WSDA, overseeing the foundation of the Farm to School program and the Small Farm Direct Marketing Program.

“As the agency’s policy advisor on local and regional food systems, and then as the Acting Associate Deputy Administrator of the Transportation and Marketing Program, Tricia Kovacs has brought a wealth of expertise and first-hand experience to AMS’ efforts to support local and regional food systems across the country,” AMS Administrator Bruce Summers said.

The Transportation and Marketing Program supports local and regional food systems and increasing consumer access to fresh, healthy foods. Its programs, grants and services help small- and mid-sized producers with marketing opportunities through the combination of applied research, technical services and grant support.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com