[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 17 (Thursday, January 30, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S1807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         A SALUTE TO PHIL WARD

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise on the floor today to express 
my deep appreciation for Phil Ward's service as director of the Oregon 
Department of Agriculture. As a Senator and as someone who has made his 
living from the land, I can say that Phil's time as director 
demonstrated a clear understanding not only of the land, but also the 
people who rely on it for their livelihood.
  By trade, Phil Ward is both a farmer and a teacher. Both professions 
require a great deal of patience and perspective, and Phil has 
admirably displayed these virtues as ODA director. Producers respect 
Phil because of the time he has personally spent with them and his 
constant call for balance in natural resources policy.
  Since he was appointed by the Governor in 1999, Phil guided the 
department as it dealt with a growing number of challenges facing 
Oregon agriculture. The collapse of the Asian market and implementation 
of S. 1010 are two prime examples. Phil was also a regional leader, 
serving as president of the Western Association of State Departments of 
Agriculture, played a prominent role in the National Association of 
State Departments of Agriculture, and was extensively involved in 
trilateral accord discussions with Canada and Mexico on agricultural 
issues.
  Phil Ward has also been a great advocate for Oregon agriculture in 
dealing with the Federal Government. His agency successfully took over 
responsibility from the Environmental Protection Agency for 
implementing water quality standards for CAFOs. Phil and the ODA also 
worked closely with me and my office in ensuring that the 2002 farm 
bill was a hand up to the vast array of Oregon farm producers 
struggling through drought, low commodity prices, and increasing 
regulatory obligations.
  One of the things I admire most about Phil Ward is that his service 
to Oregon always rose above partisan politics and he stood tall for 
Oregon's farmers and ranchers when they needed him on their side. On 
behalf of myself and Oregon's agricultural community, I thank Phil Ward 
for his dedicated service to Oregon, for his years of counsel to me, 
and to wish him all the best in his future pursuits.

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