LOGAN – Cache Valley native, Commissioner Craig W. Buttars of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), announced his retirement on February 5, concluding four years of dedicated service to the State of Utah.
“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve as the Commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food,” said Buttars. “My love for agriculture and Utah’s farmers and ranchers has only grown stronger as I have served my time in this role. I hope they feel that I have represented them well and have helped make a positive impact for agriculture and the State of Utah.”
Buttars was appointed by Governor Spencer Cox in January 2021, and has provided steady leadership and fostered innovation within UDAF. Under his leadership, the department has made significant strides in agricultural efficiency, policy development, and program expansion to better serve Utah’s farming and ranching communities and the people of Utah.
During his tenure, Buttars has spearheaded key initiatives, including:
- creating the Utah Food Security Processing Grant, strengthening local food systems and expanding processing capacity;
- expanding the Agricultural Water Optimization Program, helping farmers and ranchers
- improve irrigation efficiency;
- expanding and improving the Utah Medical Cannabis Program;
- improving internal operations, saving taxpayer dollars and improving efficiency;
- and, ensuring the voices of Utah’s farmers, ranchers, and food businesses were represented in critical policy discussions such as Great Salt Lake strategies, public land management, and other state and national agricultural issues.
Buttars has had a distinguished career of service to Utah and its residents. His retirement will be felt by food produces in and out of the state and marks the culmination of a distinguished career in public service.
Buttars is well known in Cache Valley for his service in various capacities. As a representative for Utah House District 3, His service was unwavering as he committed his efforts to better Utah’s communities and agricultural industry.
Commissioner Buttars will finish out his appointment through the end of the 2025 Utah Legislative Session, after which Governor Cox will appoint UDAF’s next commissioner.