Walter Edwin “Ed” Kee will take on the duties of secretary of agriculture, and his confirmation is expected by the state Senate next week. Gov.-elect Jack Markell, on Friday, Jan. 9, nominated Kee to oversee the 130-person state agency.
“It’s never easy to be a farmer, but it is especially difficult in this historically hard economic climate,” Markell said. “Ed has been in the field with the farmers and understands the difficult obstacles they must overcome,” Markell said.
Kee, a 57-year-old retired University of Delaware professor, has also served as an executive for the largest independently owned food processor on the East Coast, Hanover Foods.
Kee said one of his biggest challenges will be balancing Sussex County’s explosive growth with the need for increasing industry in the state’s largest, agriculture-based county.
He said the state’s poultry and grain industry, together, make up 75 percent of cash income for farmers. “We want to make sure government and our agency are enhancing the opportunity for our farms to thrive and prosper,” Kee said.
Kee is well acquainted with Sussex County, which produces more broiler chickens than any other county in the United States.
After earning a master of science degree in plant science from the University of Delaware in 1975, Kee began his agricultural career as a farm manager for Nassau Orchards near Lewes.
“Should I be confirmed, I think the one thing I’d like to do is a lot of listening – from growers, commodity groups and organizations. The Farm Bureau is one in particular,” he said.
Ready to tackle issues
Kee said two key issues confront the agriculture industry: fertilizer runoff and land-use issues. Protecting the environment is important as runoff could potentially taint either body of water surrounding the Delmarva Peninsula. “Certainly, property-owner rights need to be considered and understood. At the same time, we need to discuss what we can do to make sure the critical mass of agricultural activity can sustain itself,” Kee said.
Dr. Jan Seitz, associate dean and director of Delaware’s cooperative extension program, said, “Kee has incredible knowledge and passion for agriculture.” Seitz, who came to the university in 2003, said one of the best decisions she made was placing Kee in a leadership position.
She said it was Kee who brought Agriculture Week to higher public recognition, calling him very innovative and cutting edge. Kee has also published two books and founded a scholarship fund for aspiring agriculture students. Kee said he would also work toward encouraging young talent in the agriculture industry.
“One of the beautiful things about Delaware is the way everyone works together,” said Seitz. “I just don’t think there could be a more appropriate appointment. I’m just so thrilled. I’m so proud.”
J.G. Townsend Inc., a Sussex County-based frozen-food processing company, also contributed $20,000 toward a scholarship endowment founded in Kee’s name. Townsend executive Larry Wolfe said, “Gov. Markell has chosen a real leader and a true ambassador for Delaware agriculture in Ed Kee.
“I have spoken with area farmers, who also share my personal feelings that Ed is a tremendous choice for the position…Ed has shared his expertise and knowledge of vegetables many times to the benefit of both processors and growers to solve problems encountered during the growing seasons,” Wolfe said.
Kee lives on a 34-acre farm in Lincoln with his wife Debbie. The couple has two grown daughters.
“I’m excited to have this opportunity. I appreciate the governor making this nomination and I appreciate all the farmers and folks that expressed to the governor that I would make a good secretary,” Kee said.
