Patrick Hooker

Patrick Hooker became New York State’s 26th Agriculture Commissioner on January 11, 2007.  As Commissioner, Pat oversees the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, addressing agricultural economic development, environmental stewardship, and food safety issues to ensure agriculture remains a significant contributor to New York’s economy and quality of life.  Pat previously worked for New York Farm Bureau for 16 years as the farm advocacy organization’s top lobbyist, serving as Director of the Public Policy Division.  He has also worked in the State Legislature – first as the Rural Affairs Advisor for the State Assembly Minority Leader, and later as the Director of the New York State Senate Agriculture Committee. Pat grew up in rural Madison County, working on a neighbor’s dairy farm.