16. Bob Gray, advocate for sustainable agriculture and conservation

Sustainable Agriculture Policy with Ron Kroese

Bob Gray has always had a deep interest in improving the soil, protecting the land, and “doing things that would make sure that you were not harming it.” He grew up on a dairy farm in upstate New York, which set the stage for working in agriculture for the rest of his life.

This week, Bob talks with Ron about his legislative activities in Washington, D.C. starting in 1975, which cover a broad range of agriculture policy issues, federal farm programs, environmental regulations, conservation issues, energy development, and a host of matters affecting the agricultural sector.

As a managing partner in the consulting firm of Gray & Oscar, LLC, he has also worked to expand technology transfer of information across the country and to provide communications with consumers on the importance agriculture plays in the U.S. economy.

His background includes serving as a staff consultant to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee and as Chief of Staff to a Member of Congress. In addition, Bob was Director of Policy Development for a private nonprofit conservation organization.

He has received a number of awards for his work, including the Gulf Oil Conservation Award, the National Association of Counties Distinguished Public Service Award, and the Natural Resources Council of America Legislative Achievement Award.

The interview was conducted on Feb. 11, 2016.

Links this episode:
National Sustainable Agriculture Oral History Archive (video link)
National Center for Appropriate Technology
ATTRA
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
Center for Rural Affairs
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