IN HONOR OF ERIC LARSON'S SERVICE TO THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FARM BUREAU; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 154
(Extensions of Remarks - September 24, 2019)
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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1201-E1202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN HONOR OF ERIC LARSON'S SERVICE TO THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FARM BUREAU
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HON. DUNCAN HUNTER
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, the success of any organization is
entirely dependent upon its leadership. The San Diego County Farm
Bureau (SDCFB) is a strong and effective advocate for our local
agriculture industry, not only in San Diego County, but throughout
California. At the helm for the past 23 years has been Eric Larson as
its Executive Director. Eric recently announced his retirement from
this position and I rise today and ask the House to join me in thanking
him for his dedicated service and in congratulating him on this new
chapter in his life.
Like many young people, Eric was first introduced to agriculture in
school as a member of the Encinitas 4-H Club and San Dieguito High
School Chapter of the Future Farmers of America. This would lead to a
48-year career that included everything from cut flower and nursery
crop production to serving as General Manager of the California
Floriculture Growers Association for 13 years to eventually leading the
SDCFB.
Eric's standing in the agriculture industry grew with his positions
on the Board of Directors with the Living Plant Growers Association,
the San Diego County Flower and Plant Association, and the San Diego
County Water Authority. Simultaneously, dedication to local
[[Page E1202]]
community was also an important aspect to Eric's character where he
served the City of Carlsbad as a Parks & Recreation Commissioner,
Planning Commissioner and twice being elected to the City Council.
For over 100 years, the SDCFB has successfully championed our local
agriculture industry and Eric came to the Bureau in 1996 immediately
continuing this legacy of leadership. During Eric's tenure as Executive
Director, the SDCFB was honored as the California Farm Bureau ``County
of the Year'' three times, successfully relocated and acquired income
property, launched San Diego Grown magazine, established the San Diego
Farm & Nursery Expo, kept members informed on all important issues,
defeated two countywide ballot measures opposed by farmers, shielded
farmers from the State of California's drought water use restrictions,
created the San Diego Regional Irrigated Lands Group, initiated
strategic planning to better serve members, and elevated the standing
of local farmers and the Farm Bureau in the eyes of elected officials,
regulatory agencies and the public as a whole.
Eric's strong reputation of mastering complex issues and helping
create successful strategies toward achieving goals is well-earned. On
many occasions, my office has used Eric as a resource to not only
ensure we had a full understanding of matters affecting our agriculture
community, but to also help us effectively communicate on a broad range
of policy issues. Eric's retirement is well-deserved and, while he will
definitely be missed, I am confident Eric's leadership and advocacy
will continue in new and exciting ways.
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