We talk with Shawn Jasper, the Commissioner of N.H.'s Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food. A little over a year ago, Jasper handed in his gavel as Speaker of the New Hampshire House to head the wide-ranging agriculture department, which encompasses produce and dairy farms, farmer's markets, maple syrup and more. We find out what he's keeping an eye on as he assesses a changing agricultural landscape.
Credit Allegra boverman/NHPR
GUEST:
- Shawn Jasper, Commissioner of the N.H. Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food. Jasper was a selectman in the town of Hudson for 17 years, and he served 12 terms in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. He was elected Speaker of the House in 2014, a post he held until his resignation in 2017, to become Commissioner of Agriculture.
Prior to the show, we discussed farming issues with a number of farmers, including:
- Pooh Sprague, Edgewater Farm in Plainfield, N.H.
- Sam Canonica, Manning Hill Farm in Winchester, N.H.
- Howard Pearl, Pearl & Sons Farm in Loudon, N.H.
Related Reading
Read about Shawn Jasper's Dairy Premium bill, that would promote N.H. milk with a “New Hampshire’s Own” sticker.
