Chico state agricultural dean earns Farm Bureau honor

» December 6, 2005 «

A respected leader in both agricultural and academic circles has received the California Farm Bureau Federation Distinguished Service Award.

A. Charles Crabb

California State University, Chico, Dean of Agriculture A. Charles Crabb received the award last night during the Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Monterey.

Crabb, who has served as dean at Chico State since 1999, has announced plans to retire next year. Known as an excellent instructor and an "ambassador for agriculture" to non-agriculture students, he began his teaching career in 1978 at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, as an assistant professor of crop science. Later, as associate dean of agriculture at Cal Poly, his administrative duties included managing the university's 10,000-acre farming and ranching operation. Prior to his appointment at Chico State, Crabb served as director of the South Central Region for the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

In presenting the award, California Farm Bureau President Bill Pauli noted that Crabb has been an active community figure in Chico, and lent his scientific expertise to the campaign to defeat an anti-biotechnology initiative before Butte County voters last year.

"Charlie spoke to media about the science behind biotechnology, and provided valuable knowledge and support to Butte County Farm Bureau's successful campaign to defeat the initiative," Pauli said.

The Farm Bureau also presented the Distinguished Service Award to Pauli, who is completing his tenure as CFBF president and has served as a leader in the state's largest farm organization for 27 years.

The Distinguished Service Award-the highest honor bestowed by the California Farm Bureau-has been presented annually since 1953. The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of more than 88,000 members statewide.

Contact: Dave Kranz
Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com

Permission for use is granted, however, credit must be made to the California Farm Bureau Federation when reprinting this item.