Tricia Kovacs named deputy administrator of USDA program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has appointed Tricia Kovacs as deputy administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service’s Transportation and Marketing Program.

Kovacs joined the AMS in 2016 as its local and regional food systems policy advisor. She has played a lead role in coordinating AMS and Rural Development implementation of the Local Agricultural Markets Program, according to a news release.

“As the agency’s policy advisor on local and regional food systems, and then as the Acting Associate Deputy Administrator of the Transportation and Marketing Program, Tricia Kovacs has brought a wealth of expertise and first-hand experience to AMS’ efforts to support local and regional food systems across the country,” AMS Administrator Bruce Summers said in the release.

Before joining the USDA, Kovacs managed regional market programs at the Washington State Department of Agriculture, where she oversaw the founding of the farm to school program and the Small Farm Direct Marketing Program, according to the release.

The Transportation and Marketing Program supports local and regional food systems and increasing consumer access to fresh, healthy foods. Its programs, grants and services help small- and mid-sized producers with marketing opportunities through the combination of applied research, technical services and grant support