Charles Crabb heads Farm Bureau governmental affairs division

» September 5, 2006 «

A veteran agricultural advocate and administrator joins the California Farm Bureau Federation as manager of its Governmental Affairs Division.

Charles Crabb

A. Charles Crabb, the retired dean of agriculture at California State University, Chico, now leads the Farm Bureau's advocacy efforts with the state Legislature and government agencies. Crabb directs the work of eight policy directors and support staff at an office across the street from the state Capitol in Sacramento.

"Laws and policies set in Sacramento will make a big difference in determining whether family farms and ranches remain sustainable in California," Farm Bureau President Doug Mosebar said. "That's why we're so pleased that someone of Charlie Crabb's background and integrity has agreed to take on this crucial role."

Crabb served as agriculture dean at Chico State from 1999 until his retirement earlier this year. He began his teaching career in 1978 as an assistant professor of crop science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Later, as associate dean of agriculture at Cal Poly, his duties included management of the university's 10,000-acre farming and ranching operation. He also directed the South Central Region for the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Farm Bureau Administrator George Gomes noted that Crabb has taken an active interest in agricultural issues.

"When activists in Butte County tried to ban agricultural biotechnology, Charlie did not shy away from the controversy," Gomes said. "He provided valuable support to the Butte County Farm Bureau in defeating the local ballot measure, and worked to explain the benefits of biotechnology in a forthright, straightforward way."

Farm Bureau awarded Crabb with its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, last year.

The California Farm Bureau Federation, the state's largest farm organization, works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of more than 88,000 members.

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

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