Smith to be honored with ANR Distinguished Service Award during ANR Week
David L. Smith will receive the Distinguished Service Award from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University (MSU) March 10 during the annual ANR Week Luncheon.
David L. Smith, executive director of the Michigan Vegetable Council, will receive the Distinguished Service Award from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University (MSU) March 10 during the annual ANR Week Luncheon.
Smith is one of three individuals from across the state who will be recognized with the Distinguished Service Award, given to individuals or partners who have made outstanding contributions to Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources industries, and who possess high standards of integrity and character and positively reflect and enhance the prestige of the CANR. They demonstrate a commitment to MSU and the CANR by continuing outstanding levels of leadership and volunteerism at the state, national or international level.
Smith has been an advocate for the Michigan vegetable industry and for Michigan agriculture in general. In his current role, he has helped secure more than $2 million in grants for research on major vegetable disease problems. He launched the merger of the annual conference of the Michigan State Horticultural Society and the Michigan Vegetable Council to form the Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo.
Smith is a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau, the Monroe County Extension Council and the Board of Review for Erie Township, Michigan, and an active member of several community organizations.
Smith lives in Erie, Michigan, with his wife, Sue.
The other Distinguished Service Award recipients are:
- William L. Sheridan, auctioneer and Realtor.
- Richard H. Lehnert, associate editor, Good Fruit Grower.
Tickets for the luncheon are on sale for $30 and are available at www.anrweek.anr.msu.edu.
The luncheon will be hosted by the CANR, MSU AgBioResearch, MSU Extension and the CANR Alumni Association, with support from Consumers Energy and DTE Energy. This year marks the 100th celebration of ANR Week.