By Tekeilla Peterson
Dean Wayne Bidlack of the college of Agriculture was recently
appointed to the State Board of Food and Agriculture.
A CSU dean who was retiring nominated Bidlack. He was invited to
make a presentation to the board last year and Kawamura submitted
his nomination to the governor.
“I was asked to submit a formal application for the position and
include references from leaders in the agricultural community. All
candidates undergo the typical background check and provide
financial disclosures, a phone interview, and then was appointed by
the Governor,” said Bidlack.
Most of the deans at the university work long hours, which
includes working on the weekends.
Getting time off to help serve on committees they are passionate
about is hard work.
“As dean of Agriculture, you must stay abreast of the issues
that affect the agriculture and food industries in California, and
in many cases the nation,” said Bidlack.
Many who work alongside Bidlack understand his dedication to
Agriculture.
“He works very hard for the faculty, staff and students,” said
Sharon Roth, the Administrative Support coordinator. “We’re all
very proud. He was most deserving of this position.”
Getting the job on the California Department of Food and
Agriculture board means that all work is voluntary and the position
guarantees no financial benefit.
Bidlack has been a professional member of the Institute of Food
Technologists for more than 15 years and offers his knowledge on
food and agriculture to many organizations.
“I am very pleased to have been selected to serve on this
important Board so that I may contribute to the security of
agriculture and food production in California,” said Bidlack. “The
Board members are outstanding representatives representing
different segments of the agriculture and food industries, variety
of agencies representing environment, conservation, water, labor
and other areas that must work together to assure a quality food
supply.”
On average, the CDFA board might meet one or two days out of the
month for discussion of issues related to agriculture and makes
recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and the
Governor.
“The Secretary of Agriculture, A.G. Kawamura, has been very
successful in bringing divergent groups together to find common
solutions for agricultural challenges that will yield mutual
benefits to all Californians,” said Bidlack.
The board members are also active participants in developing
materials, bringing experts to the meeting, and presenting programs
around special issues related to agriculture and the state of
California.
“The committee makes recommendations to the Secretary of CDFA
and the Governor,” said Bidlack. “I do not work directly with the
Governor.”
According to the CDFA Web site, California agriculture is nearly
a $32 billion industry that generates $100 billion in related
economic activity with more than 88,000 farms and ranches.
California has been known as the most productive agricultural state
for more than 50 years.
According to the Cal Poly Web site, Dr. Bidlack was the past
president for the Food Safety Specialty Section of the Society of
Toxicology and he has served on the International Life Sciences
Institute Committee on Nutrition and Food Safety.
He has authored more than 50 scientific publications. For his
accomplishments, he has been elected to many different national
scientific societies, which include the American Institute of
Nutrition, the American College of Nutrition, the Institute of Food
Technologists, the American Society of Pharmacology and
Experimental Therapeutics.
Tekeilla Peterson can be reached by e-mail at
news@thepolypost.com or by phone at (909) 869-3747.
Agriculture Dean Joins State Board
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