Michael T. Scuse was nominated as Delaware Secretary of Agriculture by Gov. John Carney and confirmed by the Delaware State Senate on Jan. 25, 2017.

A lifelong farmer and native Delawarean, Secretary Scuse previously served with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as acting U.S. secretary of agriculture, acting deputy secretary of agriculture, and under secretary for farm and foreign agricultural services. As under secretary, he oversaw USDA's Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency, and Foreign Agricultural Services. He led initiatives to improve the competitiveness of American products in the global marketplace, create new markets to increase rural economic opportunity, and deliver arm assistance that help keep America's farmers and ranchers in business. He also served as president of the Commodity Credit Corporation, working to stabilize and support farm income and prices while helping maintain balance and adequate supplies of agricultural products.

Secretary Scuse previously served as Delaware secretary of agriculture from 2001-2008, and also served as chief of staff to former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner. During his term as secretary, he served as vice-president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and president of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture. He previously served as chairman of the Kent County Regional Planning Commission and chairman of USDA's Delaware Farm Service Committee.

He has received the Medal of Achievement from the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc., in 2006, and the Secretary's Award for Distinguished Service to Delaware Agriculture in 2012.

Secretary Scuse and his wife, Patrice, live in Smyrna on a corn, soybean and wheat farm that has been in their family for generations.