Farm Bureau leader to join Schwarzenegger administration

» March 9, 2007 «

CFBF congratulates George Gomes on appointment as CDFA undersecretary

After nearly 20 years of distinguished service to the California Farm Bureau Federation, CFBF Administrator George Gomes will join the Schwarzenegger administration as undersecretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The governor's office announced the appointment today.

"His depth of knowledge, experience and commitment to farming and ranching in California make George an excellent choice for this important appointment," California Farm Bureau President Doug Mosebar said. "All of us at Farm Bureau will miss his daily presence but everyone involved in agriculture will benefit from his continued service to the farming way of life."

Gomes joined the California Farm Bureau as its administrator in 1987, managing all staff operations of the state's largest farm organization. He has previous experience at CDFA, having served as its chief deputy director and as assistant director overseeing the Division of Fairs and Expos. Gomes also taught agricultural management courses at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, at which he earned bachelor's and master's degrees.

"I have benefited firsthand from George's legendary devotion to agricultural education: He was one of my professors at Cal Poly," Mosebar said. "His new position at CDFA will give him a new and unique opportunity to shape the future of California agriculture. All of us at Farm Bureau congratulate him and wish him well."

Gomes chairs the California FFA Foundation and serves on the boards of several other agricultural organizations. He received the California State Fair "Agriculturalist of the Year" award in 2005.

The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 92,000 members.

Contact: Dave Kranz
Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com

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