Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin received the American Farm Bureau Federations highest honor, the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award, during this week’s 91st AFBF annual meeting in Seattle. Irvin has served as Georgia’s commissioner of agriculture since 1969. AFBF established the Distinguished Service Award to honor individuals who have devoted their careers to serving farming and ranching.
Commissioner Irvin’s Acceptance Speech
AFBF President Bob Stallman said of Irvin, – thanks to his devotion and determination, Tommy Irvin has been a significant force for agriculture both on the state and national levels. Many of Irvin’s efforts to improve Georgia agriculture have led to changes on the regional and national levels and have impacted world opinion of U.S. Agriculture. He has been particularly active in international trade, including meeting with the Soviet Union, China and Cuba to procure trade agreements.
U.S. Department of Agriculture and leaders in other countries have sought to emulate Georgia’s procedures to eradicate animal diseases, and control plant pests. Irvin is also recognized internationally for his efforts on food safety. In addition, Irvin is a champion for agriculture education. He is known for his efforts at meeting with youth who are involved in or interested in agriculture or related fields of study.