[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF RICHARD D. GASKALLA, FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF 
                   AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM H. PUTNAM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2010

  Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public 
servant, who has made an invaluable contribution toward safeguarding 
the future of agricultural production in our State and Nation. Richard 
D. Gaskalla, serving as Director, Division of Plant Industry, has 
distinguished himself through a marked career at the Florida Department 
of Agriculture and Consumer Services. His exemplary service over the 
last 25 years is to be commended. I rise to honor Richard Gaskalla on 
the occasion of his retirement from the Florida Department of 
Agriculture, and congratulate him on his future endeavors as he moves 
on to serve and protect our Nation through the Department of Homeland 
Security.
  Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Mr. Gaskalla graduated from Florida 
State University in 1975 with a degree in Biological Sciences. He began 
his career as a District Agricultural Products Specialist in Fort 
Lauderdale, Florida with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer 
Services, Division of Plant Industry, Bureau of Plant Inspection.
  He quickly progressed, promoted to Agricultural Products Specialist 
Supervisor responsible for interpretation and dissemination of plant 
import and export regulations, post entry quarantine programs, and the 
Bureau of Plant Inspection's interactions with the Division of 
Inspection, Bureau of Road Guard Agricultural Inspection Stations. In 
1988, he was appointed Director of the Division of Plant Industry 
overseeing all division programs, including emergency pest and disease 
eradication activities and other functions.
  Under his direction, the Division of Plant Industry has strengthened 
the state of preparedness against threats of serious agricultural- 
pests and diseases. His steadfast and committed efforts, in 
collaboration with many agencies and organizations at the State, 
regional, and national level have directly enhanced policies affecting 
Florida and U.S. agriculture.
  As a dedicated and knowledgeable leader in the field of plant pest 
regulatory programs, Richard Gaskalla has made valuable contributions 
through his service on many national panels and oversight bodies. His 
work on the Safeguarding American Plant Resources Review set forth a 
comprehensive policy designed to improve United States agriculture 
protection programs. Mr. Gaskalla also served on the National Plant 
Board Advisory Council, which provides a direct line for input and 
communication on policies, issues, quarantines that affect U.S. and 
international agricultural production.
  He has facilitated safe trade among nations, based on sound 
phytosanitary scientific standards, formulating several successful 
export certifications for U.S. agricultural products to foreign 
markets. In his tenure with the Division of Plant Industry, Mr. 
Gaskalla was involved in several efforts to combat dangerous pests and 
disease threatening the State and region's agricultural production 
including the Mediterranean fruit fly, imported Fire Ants, shipment and 
preservation of nursery and foliage stock, biological control 
activities against exotic predators, and noxious weed detection. In 
addition, his leadership responsibilities strengthened and bolstered 
other regulatory programs involving honey bee inspections, boll weevil 
eradication, Caribbean fruit fly protocol, and commodity treatments.
  Most recently, Mr. Gaskalla has been involved in the development and 
implementation of the Citrus Health Response Program, a critical 
national program designed to help mitigate the impact of dangerous 
pests and diseases facing North American citrus.
  Richard Gaskalla has been awarded numerous awards and citations, 
including among other prestigious honors, the United States Department 
of Agriculture Honor Award.
  It is my privilege to honor Richard Gaskalla's outstanding public 
service upon his retirement from the Florida Department of Agriculture 
and Consumer Services, and thank him for his countless contributions 
and tireless efforts to safeguard and sustain American agriculture. I 
commend and recognize his efforts, and am pleased that our nation will 
continue to benefit from his future endeavors to protect America's 
valuable resources and secure our food supply.

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