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UDAF Public Information Officer, Larry Lewis, Receives National Communications Award

 

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) presented its 2008 Honor Award for Agriculture Communication to UDAF Public Information Officer, Larry Lewis October 19, 2008 in Topeka, Kansas. The award was presented during the annual meeting of the Communication Officers of State Departments of Agriculture (COSDA). Lewis was honored for his efforts to inform the public about the importance of agriculture in the lives of Utahan, and for promoting the work of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). Lewis received the award from Kansas Department of Agriculture Secretary, Adrian J. Polansky.

Lewis thanked NASDA, and recognized the importance that communication plays in each state’s efforts to remind consumers about the connection between farming and ranching and an abundant food supply.

“It is an honor to receive NASDA’s communication award this year,” said Lewis. “I know each member of COSDA works long and hard to advance agriculture’s message, and I’m fortunate to have Utah’s accomplishments recognized this year.”

Public outreach during the Japanese beetle infestation in Orem helped the citizens better understand the threat of this invasive insect and gathered nearly 100 percent support for the Department’s eradication program. Beetle populations were cut approximately 95 percent in 2008.