CARSON CITY, Nev. -
January 17, 2023Governor Joe Lombardo has approved the
appointment of Dr. Julian Joseph (J.J.) Goicoechea as director of the Nevada
Department of Agriculture (NDA).
“I’m
excited to announce J.J. Goicoechea as the new Director of the Department of
Agriculture,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “J.J. is one of the best and
brightest leaders in agriculture in Nevada, and I’m grateful for his
willingness to serve our state. I know that the Department of Agriculture will
greatly benefit from J.J.’s thoughtful leadership, wealth of knowledge, and
decades of hands-on experience.”
Director Goicoechea is well-versed in
agriculture industries, previously serving the NDA as state veterinarian from
2016 to 2019 and currently serving as interim state veterinarian. Director Goicoechea
received his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Colorado State University
and did his undergrad studies at the University of Nevada, Reno. Director
Goicoechea has practiced veterinary medicine in rural Nevada for over 20 years
and assisted with the family ranching operation in addition to his experience
as Eureka County Commissioner.
“I look forward to stepping into this new role
and I’d like to thank Governor Lombardo and the Nevada Board of Agriculture for
the opportunity to serve as NDA Director,” said Director Goicoechea.
About the Nevada Department of Agriculture
The Nevada
Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and
promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 225 dedicated employees
providing services in its five divisions, Administrative Services, Animal
Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and
Compliance. The department’s $288 million budget facilitates regulatory and
administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries,
protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing
food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of
Agriculture’s school and community nutrition programs.
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