Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce has announced the speaker for its annual agriculture lunch and Farm Family of the Year recognition. The event is scheduled for noon March 19 in the  Fairlane Building at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

Following the presentation of the Farm Family of the Year award, there will be a presentation by Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson.

According to a press release, Petersen is a long-time resident of Royalton Township, where he lives on a horse farm.

Before being appointed commissioner, Petersen served as the director of government relations for Minnesota Farmers Union since 2002, working on behalf of Minnesota Farmers Union farmer-members in both Washington, D.C., and St. Paul.

Prior to working at this position, Petersen spent most of his life working for his family and his own horse and farm business.

He has a wide range of experience in state and federal farm policy, and travels to almost every county in Minnesota each year to fully understand how these policies affect farmers’ daily lives, the release states.

He has served on many boards and committees, including the University of Minnesota Extension Citizens Advisory Committee, Farmers Legal Action Group, Citizens Utility Board, Minnesota Ag in the Classroom, Minnesota State Organic Task Force, Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition and the Minnesota Fair Plan.

Tickets are limited and may be purchased at Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, 1725 West Main St. in Albert Lea.