Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Washington, DC – Today, Byron Moyer, Dairy Programs Section Chief for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, will be awarded the FDA Commissioner’s Special Citation Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The citation recognizes exemplary support and accomplishment of the FDA’s mission through effective and efficient cooperative program initiatives with the Northeast Regional Office, State Programs Branch and the New England District Office. Mr. Moyer was nominated for this prestigious award by Stephen Pierson, Regional Milk Specialist and Karen Archdeacon, Compliance Officer.

The award specifically recognizes Mr. Moyer’s work as Chief of Vermont’s Milk Safety Program. In this capacity he works collaboratively with the FDA’s Northeast Regional components by providing state investigative and laboratory resources to aid in the mission of the FDA. Over the past five years, Mr. Moyer has collaborated with the FDA on a number of notable investigations. With the help of Mr. Moyer’s assistance incases involving animal health and disease, milk and milk product adulteration and criminal fraud, the FDA has been able to better protect the health and welfare of milk consumers.

“This award is a testament to Byron’s dedication and diligence to public safety and the integrity of dairy products in the state,” commented Roger Allbee, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. "His efforts are a very important aspect of the diverse work the Agency of Agriculture carries out."

Mr. Moyer has worked for the Agency of Agriculture for over 28 years. He is responsible for the administration and management of the Agency’s public health and food safety programs, dairy policy development programs and dairy marketing programs.