Office of the Commissioner of Agriculture 
Walter E. Whitcomb is the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources for Governor LePage's Administration.
Walt Whitcomb is the co-owner of Springdale Jerseys, a 400-head dairy farm located in Waldo. The family farm sells milk to Maine processors and registered cattle to buyers nationwide. Started in 1951, the farm is now operated by his mother, Lois, and two daughters, Carrie and Holly. Prior to joining Governor LePage’s cabinet, Walt has volunteered with the Maine Dairy Industry Association (MDIA), serving as President and as the MDIA Federal Policy Advisor. Walt served as Chairman of the Maine Farm Service Agency, USDA, and chaired Senator Collins' and Senator Snowe’s selection committee for federal agricultural and Small Business Administration appointments. From 1984 to 1996, Walt served in the Maine House of Representatives, and was a member on the Agriculture Committee, Taxation Committee, and was elected Republican House leader from 1990 to 1996.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources is the State’s lead agency dealing with all aspects of the food system from the field to the table. Agriculture has developed into a diverse industry, with a $1.2 billion impact on the Maine economy.
The Department maintains a mission of fostering opportunities for the agriculture community and of promoting stewardship of Maine’s natural resources. Maine farmers care for 1.25 million acres of land which is the cornerstone of food security for Maine people. Farmland brings the added public benefit of open space with many recreational opportunities.
The Maine Department of Agriculture’s goals include expanding Maine agriculture by making the state a leader in innovative approaches to profitability; creating opportunities for Maine citizens to succeed in agriculture; ensuring a safe, wholesome, and high-quality food supply; educating the public about the importance of Maine agriculture; promoting the stewardship of Maine’s natural resources; protecting the integrity of commercial and consumer transactions; and fostering a work environment that encourages teamwork, trust, creativity, and professional development.
Whitcomb lives with his wife Nancy in Waldo; they have three children and two grandsons.
E-mail Commissioner Whitcomb
