[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E851-E852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING MR. JOHN BREITSMAN UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM 
               THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 2016

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Mr. John 
Breitsman on the occasion of his retirement as the Director of the 
Bureau of Plant Industry at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture 
after 34 years of devoted service. Working every day to provide the 
best possible service to the consumers and producers of Pennsylvania's 
agriculture, John challenges his team to instill excellence and 
leadership in meeting the state's agricultural needs. Comprehensive 
oversight under John's leadership has improved agriculture 
significantly in my district and throughout Pennsylvania, ensuring a 
diverse and healthy ecosystem for generations to come.
   Beginning his service to the state in 1982, John quickly advanced 
from an Agricultural Products Inspector to Agronomic Specialist, 
eventually holding the titles of Chief of the Division of Agronomic and 
Regional Services and Director of the Bureau of Plant Industry. His 
leadership and expertise have earned him positions with state, 
regional, national, and international organizations such as the Food 
and Drug Administration, the American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) 
where he served as president, and the FBI. John has also worked closely 
with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Rapid Response Team, 
which is responsible for creating a Best Practices Manual for food and 
feed related emergency responses. His service and involvement with such 
diverse organizations has instilled a sense of security in my 
constituents' food supply and helped my district's farmers meet today's 
most daunting challenges.
   John has always understood the value in surrounding himself with an 
elite team, mentoring his employees, and providing them with the 
support needed to fulfill the Bureau's mission of protecting 
Pennsylvania agriculture and

[[Page E852]]

ensuring consumer safety. With such unique and committed service to his 
position and employees alike, John has received numerous awards 
highlighting his service. In 1999, he was recognized with the 
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Outstanding Employee of the 
Year award and, in 2001, was honored with the AAFCO Distinguished 
Service Award. John has also been integral in the development of 
PaPlants, the Bureau's comprehensive web-based tracking and interactive 
constituent access program. PaPlants is now a model for USAPlants, a 
nationwide initiative in use by five other states.
   Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mr. John Breitsman for his 
extensive guidance and superior leadership with the Pennsylvania 
Department of Agriculture. Commitment to his colleagues has allowed 
John to inspire his coworkers on a daily basis, and his hard work is 
evident through various achievements and lasting contributions to my 
community and state. John's retirement will be accompanied by quality 
time spent with his wife Kristin and his daughter Stephanie. On behalf 
of my constituents, I wish Mr. John Breitsman well on the occasion of 
his retirement, and best of luck in his future endeavors.

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