USDA HONORS EMPLOYEES IN ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

                                            Release No. 0188.97
                                                               
                                   Laura Trivers (202) 720-4623
                                         laura.trivers@usda.gov
                                  Martha Cashion (202) 720-3310
                                        martha.cashion@usda.gov

USDA HONORS EMPLOYEES IN ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

     WASHINGTON, June 11, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
honored U.S. Department of Agriculture employees from across the nation for
exemplary service and achievements in the 51st annual USDA Honor Awards
Ceremony.

     "This annual awards ceremony gives me the chance to recognize the
quality, dedication, and excellence I have found while working with
individuals and groups throughout USDA," Glickman said.  "Public service is
one of life's highest callings.  Few people have the opportunity to serve
their country and millions of other people around the globe as do USDA
employees."

     Award winners represent outstanding service in many fields, including
stewardship of natural resources, scientific research, disease control,
environmental innovations, educational outreach, reinventing government,
emergency response to disasters, food safety, farm and food program
delivery, trade and export development,  and rural economic development.  In
addition, USDA honored individual acts of heroism and courage.

     "USDA employees take pride in serving the agricultural community and
the people of America in a tradition of public service that has been the
hallmark of USDA's honor award recipients since its inception," Glickman
said.  "I am proud to be at the helm of such a fine group of public
servants."
                                
                                #

NOTE: USDA news releases and media advisories are available on the Internet.
Access the USDA Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www.usda.gov