Farm Bureau's Gomes earns 'agriculturalist of year' honors

» June 6, 2005 «

An enduring commitment to leadership in protecting California family farms has brought a prestigious award to California Farm Bureau Federation Administrator George Gomes. The California State Fair will present Gomes with its 2005 "Agriculturalist of the Year" award.

State Fair directors voted to honor Gomes with the award, which recognizes outstanding leadership on behalf of California agriculture. It will be presented to him at the California State Fair Gala & Auction on Aug. 5.

"No one has worked harder than George Gomes on behalf of California family farmers and ranchers, and his work helps all Californians who benefit from high-quality, locally grown farm products," California Farm Bureau President Bill Pauli said. "As a farmer, teacher, mentor and advocate, he had led by example and encouraged others through his knowledge and passion."

Gomes joined the California Farm Bureau in 1987, managing all staff operations of the state's largest farm organization. Previously, he served as chief deputy director of the state Department of Food and Agriculture and as assistant director overseeing the department's Division of Fairs and Expos.

A native of Gustine, Gomes grew up with 12 brothers and sisters on a family dairy farm, which he later operated. After obtaining bachelor's and master's degrees from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, he taught agricultural management courses at the university.

"George's devotion to agricultural education and youth programs is legendary," Pauli said. "He has been an effective champion for FFA and other programs that encourage young people to become the agricultural leaders of the future."

Gomes serves as chair of the California FFA Foundation and on the boards of several other agricultural organizations.

He is the second California Farm Bureau leader to receive the Agriculturalist of the Year award since its inception in 1980. Henry J. Voss, a former CFBF president and state food and agriculture secretary, received the award in 1995.

For more information regarding the State Fair Gala and Auction, contact the California State Fair at (916) 263-3247.

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.