Almond
Industry Leader Will Be Honored
Robert “Bob” Curtis, an almond industry leader whose efforts
have helped university research and extension programs improve production
practices and environmental stewardship, will be honored Oct. 11 with an “Award
of Distinction” from the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences (CA&ES).
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| Bob Curtis Will be Honored |
The award is presented annually during a College Celebration
event to those whose contributions and achievements enhance the college’s
ability to provide cutting-edge research, top-notch education and innovative
outreach. Curtis, an executive with the Almond Board of California, is being
recognized as a “Friend of the College” for his work as as a liaison between the
industry and the agricultural research community. Six other people—faculty,
staff, alumni, and administrators—will also receive the award.
“College Celebration is the premier community event for our
college and its many supporters who stand with us through thick and thin,” said
Mary Delany, interim dean for CA&ES. “This year, in particular, we have
much to celebrate, including the 25th anniversary of a
harvest-season gathering that has come to mean so much to us. The Award of
Distinction recipients have made, and continue to make, remarkable contributions
that bring great inspiration, honor, and distinction to the College of
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.”
Yields of California almonds have doubled over the last 20
years through advancements in horticultural practices. Production research has
contributed to the growth and success of California almonds, which now
encompass 835,000 acres, rank second in California farm gate value, and are the
nation’s largest horticultural export. Research funded by the Almond Board has
also helped improve fertilizer management and elevate food safety and quality.
Curtis’ impact has been felt beyond the almond industry, as
well. He chaired the California Commodity Committee (2007–2012), leading an
effort to develop a strategy for promoting and funding commodity research and
extension. He was a member of a national specialty crop research team that
outlined strategic research, extension, and education priorities for the 2008
Farm Bill, which led to grant funding in areas such as nutrient budgeting,
irrigation management, precision agriculture, rootstock evaluation, and honey
bee health.
Curtis serves on many UC Davis advisory groups, including
the CA&ES Dean’s Advisory Council. He has written or contributed to more
than 200 articles, booklets, and manuals on crop production practices, pest
management, postharvest handling, and food safety and has given presentations
to a wide range of domestic and international audiences.
“As a commodity representative,
Bob has worked tirelessly to the betterment of industry-university partnerships
that are at the heart of the CA&ES mission,” said plant sciences professor
Patrick Brown. “He has made many very significant contributions to the programs
of faculty and extension personnel throughout the UC system and above all he
has been a true friend of the college.”
Labels: Almond Industry Leader will be Honored, Bob Curtis to be honored at UC Davis, CA&ES, UC Davis College of Ag and Environmental Science
