Washington, Oct. 11, 2007-Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner today honored U.S. Department of Agriculture employees from across the nation for exemplary service and achievements in the 60th annual USDA Honor Awards Ceremony.
"Today, USDA gathers to recognize those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide truly exceptional service," said Conner. "Their efforts have produced impressive results and have benefited the Department of Agriculture and the people we serve. The honorees today are exemplary in their fields. We applaud their efforts and innovative work."
The Honor Awards are the most prestigious awards given by USDA. There are 22 groups and 5 individual award winners this year. The honorees represent outstanding service in many fields, such as stewardship of natural resources, rural economic development, scientific research, food safety, environmental innovations, emergency response to disasters, farm and food program delivery, educational outreach, trade and export development and disease control. USDA also honored employees who performed acts of heroism and courage.
In addition, USDA recognized recipients of the William A. Jump Memorial Award for outstanding service in the field of public administration, the Dr. Daniel E. Salmon Award for outstanding contributions and notable service in the public's interest by a federally employed veterinarian, and the President's Volunteer Service Awards and Call to Service Award for significant contributions in community volunteer service to meet national or community needs.
