[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF JERRY PRIETO, RETIRING FRESNO COUNTY AGRICULTURAL 
                              COMMISSIONER

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2008

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to a 
man who has been a tireless voice for agriculture in my home district 
of Fresno County, California. On June 29, 2008, Jerry Prieto will be 
retiring as the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner after over 35 
years of dedicated service to Fresno County.
  Agriculture continues to be California's number one industry with 
Fresno County ranking as the number one agricultural producing county 
in California and the nation. The fertile soils of Fresno County 
support over 300 different crops, valued at near $5 billion annually to 
the economy of California. Many things contribute to California's 
bountiful crops, but one significant underlying factor in Fresno 
County's agricultural success has been the presence of Jerry Prieto as 
its lead advocate.
  Jerry has never been a stranger to agriculture. The son of a migrant 
farm worker, Jerry was raised on a small family farm near Corcoran, 
California. Jerry attended California State University, Fresno, where 
he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Science. In 1974, Jerry 
began working for the Fresno County Department of Agriculture advancing 
to the position of Deputy Agricultural Commissioner in 1980. In 1999, 
he was appointed to the position of Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of 
Weights and Measures. In this position, Jerry has been responsible for 
promoting and regulating the Nation's number one agricultural producing 
county, and protecting the county's environment and the public's 
health, safety, and welfare.
  Among Jerry's varied accomplishments is serving on then Governor 
Davis' State Committee on Terrorism. Jerry has also been active on many 
boards and for 4 years served as chairman of the Fresno County 
Department Heads Council. Mr. Prieto is a member of the Fresno County 
Farm Bureau, the Fresno County Council of Governments Farmland 
Conservation Steering Committee, chairman of the Fresno County Council 
of Governments Farmland Preservation Advisory Committee, and the Fresno 
County Land Conservation Committee. He is the immediate president of 
the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association and 
was the first Agricultural Commissioner to serve two terms as 
President.
  Jerry Prieto recently was quoted as saying, ``All I ever wanted to do 
was to be a farmer.'' Part of what Jerry will now be able to focus on 
more is the acreage he owns. He plans to spend time with wife Cindy, 
his two children and two grandchildren. He also hopes to catch up on a 
little fishing. Though only days away from retirement, Jerry is still 
found diligently carrying out his responsibilities. His prompt and 
earnest action concerning the drought now facing California, mobilized 
Fresno County resources to quickly produce valuable data necessary for 
the Governor's office to declare an official drought emergency. I know 
that Jerry will continue to energetically advocate for Fresno County's 
Agriculture needs, not only up to, but well beyond his retirement date. 
It is only fitting that I recognize Jerry Prieto today before this 
Chamber and the country for unflinching service to his community, State 
and Nation.

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