2008 PRESS RELEASES

January 17, 2008
VIRGINIA PESTICIDE CONTROL BOARD RECOGNIZES EXTENSION AGENTS FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Contact: Elaine Lidholm, 804.786.7686

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Pesticide Control Board have recognized Virginia Cooperative Extension agents throughout Virginia for their outstanding participation in the pesticide container recycling program and the pesticide safety education courses.  The following agents were recognized for their outstanding performance during 2006-07:

• Pesticide Disposal Program  - Kenner Love, Unit Coordinator and Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Crop and Soil Sciences, Rappahannock County – award given in recognition of his efforts to support environmental stewardship by identifying and addressing the pesticide disposal challenges faced by homeowners in Rappahannock County.

Pesticide Container Recycling Program - Pulaski County Extension Staff (accepted by Andy Overbay, Southwest District Program Leader) – award given for Pulaski County Extension’s efforts to raise public awareness and provide an opportunity to local area farmers to dispose of used plastic pesticide containers in a manner that does not threaten the environment and reduces the amount of plastic that enters the solid waste stream.

• Pesticide Safety Education

First Place: - 2007 Southside Ground Maintenance Conference, Stuart Sutphin (Danville), Melanie Barrow (Henry County/Martinsville), and Don Davis (Lynchburg City) – award given in recognition of an outstanding regional effort to serve pesticide applicators in the Green Industry

Second Place: - Commercial Pesticide Certification Preparation Course - Regina Prunty (King George County), Monica Lear, Lloyd Hipkins (Glade Road Research Center, Virginia Tech), Terry Misch (King George County), Debbie Dillion (Loudoun County), Guy Mussey (Stafford County), Tom Burke (Office of Pesticide Services), Mac Saphir (Caroline County), John Howe (Spotsylvania County), Alison Bremner (Fauquier County), Missy Fike (King George County) – award given in recognition of efforts to help commercial pesticide applicators in the Green Industry operate safely and legally

Third Place: - Southampton County Private Applicator Recertification Course - Wes Alexander (Southampton County) and Cyndi Estienne (Emporia/Greensville County) – award given to recognize the high quality of training developed and provided to the growers of Southside Virginia

Photo (left to right): Melanie Barrow, Henry County/Martinsville; Stuart Sutphin, Danville City; Regina Prunty, King George County; Guy Mussey, Stafford County; Andy Overbay, Southwest District, on behalf of Pulaski County; Kenner Love, Rappahannock County; Cyndi Estienne, Emporia/Greensville County; and Wes Alexander, Southampton County.

Dr. Wayne Surles, Program Manager, Office of Pesticide Services, VDACS, presented each agent with a commemorative plaque and a gift basket of Virginia's Finest products on behalf of the Virginia Pesticide Control Board.

This was the ninth year for the recognition program.  Extension agents or district directors, Virginia Tech Pesticide Program personnel, or Office of Pesticide Services investigators interested in nominating someone for a 2007-08 award should contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Office of Pesticide Services at 804.371.6558.