Agriculture Secretary to resign

by: Jason Springer

Thu Oct 23, 2008 at 09:22:47 PM EDT

"Secretary Kuperus has done an outstanding job at the Department of Agriculture, exemplified by the work he has done to help preserve farmland, and his focus on promoting economic development for farmers across New Jersey," D'Arcy said. "Secretary Kuperus has been an invaluable member of the Corzine administration and his efforts are greatly appreciated."

Agriculture Board member Noble McNaughton of Tabernacle said he didn't know Kuperus' resignation was imminent. The board met Wednesday but did not discuss the secretary's tenure, he said.

"Charlie has been a good secretary and has done very wonderful things," said McNaughton, who represents nursery operators in the state. "This is surprising."