"It's a privilege to be appointed to this board because it gives me and Fresno State a unique opportunity to connect with all elements of our state's most important industry,” said Boyer. “In addition, my participation on the board will allow me to represent a higher education perspective as the board addresses important issues impacting the future of agriculture."

Boyer, who is a plant biologist by training, joined Fresno State in 2006 from Oregon State University, where he had been a department head and then associate dean. He received his master’s and doctoral degrees at Pennsylvania State University, where he was a professor before moving to Oregon State.

Since Boyer came to Fresno State, the Jordan College has received the largest donation in university history, $29.4 million, added to its research program and undertaken numerous initiatives to help students and faculty put training to work benefiting California agriculture. The campus is home to California State University systemwide research efforts in irrigation and water development; hands-on, state-of-the-art viticultural and enology research/training; and the nation’s first on-campus commercial winery.

Students have a 1,000-acre agricultural laboratory on which to produce fresh fruit, vegetables, livestock, nuts, premium wines and dairy products. Jordan College students learn how to develop and sell food products ranging from barbecue sauces to candies and olive oil to jellies. What food products the students develop is sold through the student-run Gibson Farm Market at Fresno State to the general community.

Joining with Fresno State’s Strategic Plan for Excellence, the Jordan College has established programs with global reach, including ADAPT (Agricultural Development for Afghanistan Pre-deployment Training University). Fresno State is the lead member of a four-university consortium teaching relevant agricultural practices to U.S. government and military personnel headed to Afghanistan to help people there master sustainable farming.

There is no compensation for Board of Food and Agriculture members and state Senate confirmation is not required.