PIERRE, S.D. – Today, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources officially begin serving South Dakota as the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).
Governor Noem announced her plan to merge the two departments in August 2020 and, in January 2021, issued Executive Reorganization Order 2021-03 combining the two departments into DANR. The executive order takes effect today.
“With this merger, we are fostering sustainable agriculture and conservation of our natural resources that we can pass on to our kids and grandkids,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “DANR will be more effective, more efficient, and more responsive to the needs of farmers.”
Hunter Roberts will serve as DANR’s first cabinet secretary.
“Governor Noem has a tremendous vision for the next generation of agriculture and is passionate about South Dakota’s natural resources,” said Secretary Hunter Roberts. “Agriculture and natural resource protection go hand-in-hand. Working together as DANR will help us achieve the best outcomes for South Dakota.”
DANR’s mission is to protect and preserve South Dakota’s agriculture, environment, and natural resources through effective regulatory services, natural resource conservation, and financial and technical assistance.
