Each year the Agricultural Sustainability Institute at UC Davis recognizes one of our UC colleagues with the Eric Bradford and Charlie Rominger Agricultural Sustainability Leadership award.  Established in 2008 through gifts from family and friends, the award seeks to provide a lasting legacy of the unique contributions Eric Bradford and Charlie Rominger made through uniquely inspiring leadership in the field of agricultural sustainability. The intent of the award is to recognize and honor individuals exhibiting the leadership, work ethic, and integrity epitomized by Eric and Charlie. Awardees demonstrate leadership with a passion for service as they aim to improve the world through their contributions to agriculture.

This year, we are pleased to give the award to our Cooperative Extension colleague, Mary Bianchi, San Luis Obispo County director and horticulture farm advisor. Mary's nomination letter described her as “the ‘ultimate' farm advisor who does not hesitate to address the critical needs of her clientele, even if they require extending herself into new subject areas … She does so in the best sense of collaborative problem-solving, melding an easy-going, interpersonal style with astute professionalism that includes scientific rigor.” We couldn't agree more, and are delighted to present her with the award.

We will make the formal media announcement of the award just prior to the award ceremony. However, we want to invite Mary's colleagues and collaborators to extend their congratulations to her, both personally and through joining us in honoring Mary at our award ceremony. We would appreciate your help in spreading the word to the ANR family.  Details are below.

• Bradford Rominger Award Ceremony
• Tuesday, April 15, 5 p.m.
• Beuhler Alumni and Visitor Center, UC Davis
• Keynote speaker: food activist LaDonna Redmond

More information on the event can be found here.

Thomas P. Tomich
W.K. Kellogg Endowed Chair in Sustainable Food Systems
Director, UC Davis Agricultural Sustainability Institute (ASI)
Director, UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP)
Host, Inter-Institutional Network for Food, Agriculture and Sustainability (INFAS) 
Professor of Community Development, Environmental Science & Policy