Senate committee forwards Kelly Pearson to full Senate for Utah agriculture post

Kelly Pearson, the nominee to lead the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, won unanimous committee support May 20 and will go to the full Utah Senate for final consideration at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Pearson told the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Confirmation Committee he is “both humbled and energized by the opportunity to serve as your commissioner of agriculture, if confirmed this week.” He outlined priorities that include water optimization, land‑preservation programs, streamlining department rules and expanding food‑security and processing grants.

Pearson, a Monticello native who has served six years as deputy commissioner and twice as interim commissioner, told senators the department helped secure…