[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E295-E296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING A.J. YATES FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO AGRICULTURE AS AGRICULTURAL 
                    MARKETING SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me today to pay 
tribute to my friend and fellow Californian, A.J. Yates, who has served 
as Administrator of the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural 
Marketing Service (AMS) for the past four years. It has been an honor 
to work with him on legislative matters involving agriculture, and many 
of us here on the Hill have come to rely on his expertise.
  President Bush appointed A.J. Yates AMS Administrator in September 
2001 to oversee more than 50 programs designed to maintain a stable 
marketing environment for the benefit of America's farmers, ranchers, 
and consumers. AMS accomplishes this mission through federal marketing 
orders, research and promotion programs, the federal-state marketing 
improvement program, and the wholesale marketing development program. 
Agricultural transportation issues, market regulatory laws, market 
news, and federal grading and certification are other tools the agency 
uses to help ensure a steady supply of high quality food on American 
tables.
  Mr. Yates brought to AMS many years of experience in both the 
agriculture industry and state government, and USDA and the American 
people have benefited greatly from his expertise. His background is 
quite impressive. Mr. Yates served as Deputy Secretary for the 
California Department of Food and Agriculture, CDFA, from August 1991 
to December 1996 and as Under Secretary until January 1999. During his 
tenure at CDFA, Mr. Yates helped provide leadership to the CDFA's seven 
divisions and developed and implemented policy for California's 
agricultural industry and consumers. After leaving CDF A, Yates was a 
senior marketing consultant with Panagraph Marketing Solutions in 
Fresno, CA.
  Mr. Yates graduated from California State University at Fresno in 
1957 with a bachelor's degree in agronomy. As a life-long farmer from 
Kerman, California, he has been actively involved in organizations 
supporting agriculture and education, serving as President of the 
Fresno County Farm Bureau, State Director of the California Sugar Beet 
Growers Association, and Director of the Mid-Valley Irrigation 
District.

[[Page E296]]

  While at AMS, Mr. Yates has proven to be a tireless advocate for the 
long-term survival and economic well-being of America's farms. His 
leadership has proven crucial in several issue areas important to 
America's farmers, including the management of Federal marketing orders 
and the Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee and launching the 
implementation of the organic program.
  AMS employees wish Mr. Yates the best as he returns to California to 
spend time with his wife Joyce and their three sons. I, too, wish him 
well and join my colleagues in commending him on a job well done.

                          ____________________