[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN HONOR OF MR. GEORGE J. GOMES, AGRICULTURALIST OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. George J. Gomes of 
Carmichael, CA. The California Farm Bureau has honored Mr. Gomes by 
naming him the 2005 ``Agriculturalist of the Year.''
  George began his agricultural odyssey on his family's dairy in 
Gustine, CA, where he operated the family dairy and farmed forage 
crops. After selling the farm, Mr. Gomes attended California State 
University, San Luis Obispo where he attained his bachelor of science 
degree in Agribusiness Management and his masters degree in Agriculture 
Education. He began his professional career as an associate professor 
at Cal Poly where he taught Agricultural Management.
  George Gomes' career took him in many directions. Upon leaving the 
university, George managed the Napa County Fair. He later joined the 
California Department of Food and Agriculture in 1975 where he worked 
in the Division of Fairs and Expositions. Shortly thereafter, he became 
the assistant director before being appointed chief deputy director by 
Governor George Deukmejian. Mr. Gomes began a new journey in 1987 when 
he was named administrator of the California Farm Bureau Federation.
  His extensive educational and professional experience has allowed 
George to become a widely recognized leader within California's 
agriculture industry. While in school he was an active member of the 
Dairy Club, National Dairy Judging Team and Agriculture Council. Beyond 
that, George has served as a member of the State Fair Advisory 
Committee, chair of the Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo Agriculture Advisory 
Committee, California Fair Services Board of Directors and Keep 
California Beautiful Board of Directors.
  Through his public service commitments in education, government and 
community organizations George Gomes has been steadfast in promoting 
California agriculture. This award from the California Farm Bureau 
Federation could not have gone to anyone more deserving. I wish George 
and his family all the best.

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