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Morning Keynote
Robert W. Gore, Acting Director
WA State Dept. of Agriculture
Presentation: "Supporting the Profitability of Washington Agriculture"
Bob Gore assumed the position of Acting Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture effective May 6, 2008 upon the retirement of Valoria Loveland. Bob had served as Deputy Director since June 1, 2006. Previously, he led the largest division at WSDA, the Commodity Inspection Division, since 1996. He began his career at WSDA as a grain sampler.
As the leader of the Commodity Inspection Division, Bob increased the use of technology to report real-time inspection results and quality data electronically to customers of fruit, vegetable, grain and seed inspections.
Due to his special expertise in grains, Bob has participated in furthering the grain industry’s accomplishments. He has represented WSDA on the Washington Wheat Commission, Washington Barley Commission, and the Washington Dry Pea & Lentil Commission. Bob is past president of the American Association of Grain Inspection and Weighing Agencies.
As Acting Director, Bob oversees an agency responsible for animal health, water quality, plant inspections, food safety, fruit and grain inspection and certification, and marketing the state's agricultural products regionally and internationally. |