[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 154 (Tuesday, September 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1201-E1202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF ERIC LARSON'S SERVICE TO THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FARM BUREAU

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 2019

  Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, the success of any organization is 
entirely dependent upon its leadership. The San Diego County Farm 
Bureau (SDCFB) is a strong and effective advocate for our local 
agriculture industry, not only in San Diego County, but throughout 
California. At the helm for the past 23 years has been Eric Larson as 
its Executive Director. Eric recently announced his retirement from 
this position and I rise today and ask the House to join me in thanking 
him for his dedicated service and in congratulating him on this new 
chapter in his life.
  Like many young people, Eric was first introduced to agriculture in 
school as a member of the Encinitas 4-H Club and San Dieguito High 
School Chapter of the Future Farmers of America. This would lead to a 
48-year career that included everything from cut flower and nursery 
crop production to serving as General Manager of the California 
Floriculture Growers Association for 13 years to eventually leading the 
SDCFB.
  Eric's standing in the agriculture industry grew with his positions 
on the Board of Directors with the Living Plant Growers Association, 
the San Diego County Flower and Plant Association, and the San Diego 
County Water Authority. Simultaneously, dedication to local

[[Page E1202]]

community was also an important aspect to Eric's character where he 
served the City of Carlsbad as a Parks & Recreation Commissioner, 
Planning Commissioner and twice being elected to the City Council.
  For over 100 years, the SDCFB has successfully championed our local 
agriculture industry and Eric came to the Bureau in 1996 immediately 
continuing this legacy of leadership. During Eric's tenure as Executive 
Director, the SDCFB was honored as the California Farm Bureau ``County 
of the Year'' three times, successfully relocated and acquired income 
property, launched San Diego Grown magazine, established the San Diego 
Farm & Nursery Expo, kept members informed on all important issues, 
defeated two countywide ballot measures opposed by farmers, shielded 
farmers from the State of California's drought water use restrictions, 
created the San Diego Regional Irrigated Lands Group, initiated 
strategic planning to better serve members, and elevated the standing 
of local farmers and the Farm Bureau in the eyes of elected officials, 
regulatory agencies and the public as a whole.
  Eric's strong reputation of mastering complex issues and helping 
create successful strategies toward achieving goals is well-earned. On 
many occasions, my office has used Eric as a resource to not only 
ensure we had a full understanding of matters affecting our agriculture 
community, but to also help us effectively communicate on a broad range 
of policy issues. Eric's retirement is well-deserved and, while he will 
definitely be missed, I am confident Eric's leadership and advocacy 
will continue in new and exciting ways.

                          ____________________