SIDDIQUI NAMED DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR MARKETING AND REGULATORY


                                            Release No. 0328.97
                                                               
                                   Laura Trivers (202) 720-4623
                                         laura.trivers@usda.gov
                                   Jerry Redding (202) 720-6959
                                         jerry.redding@usda.gov

SIDDIQUI NAMED DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR MARKETING AND REGULATORY   
PROGRAMS

     WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced the appointment of Isi Siddiqui as deputy assistant secretary for
marketing and regulatory programs.  He replaces Shirley Watkins, who last
month was named under secretary for food, nutrition, and consumer services.

     Siddiqui comes to USDA from the California Department of Food and
Agriculture, where he has been director of the Division of Plant Industry
since 1984.  In that position, he managed state efforts to protect against
the introduction, establishment, and spread of harmful plant pests and
diseases throughout California.  He was with the state agency for 29 years.

     Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Michael V.
Dunn said, "I'm exceptionally pleased to welcome a scientist of Isi
Siddiqui's caliber to our management team at USDA.  He brings a wealth of
experience in combating the introduction of nonindigenous pests and a proven
track record of administrative excellence."

     Siddiqui received his B.A. degree from Uttar Pradesh Agricultural
University, India, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of
Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

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