ENCINITAS — Eric Larson, the longtime executive director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau, will be honored Sept. 6 with the Paul Ecke, Jr. Award of Excellence at the San Diego Botanic Garden’s annual Gala in the Garden.
Larson, who has served in his capacity since 1997, was selected for the honor for his “valuable and important work in San Diego County’s agricultural industry,” according to a news release.
“Larson’s efforts to promote the growth of agriculture in San Diego County align with San Diego Botanic Garden’s mission to ‘inspire people of all ages to connect with plants and nature,’” according to the news release.
Botanic Garden CEO Julian Duval said he was “a big fan” of Larson.
“I have long admired Eric for his formidable knowledge of the great array of agriculture that finds its home in San Diego,” Botanic garden CEO Julian Duval said. “He not only has this knowledge, but few people I know have the ability to express and share what he knows so eloquently.”
Larson also serves on the Southern California Water Committee and the Southern California Ag Water Team, which assists farmers in addressing issues impacting the cost, availability and regulation of farm water.
In addition to his term with the farm bureau, the Carlsbad resident served two terms on that city’s council, during which time he served as a director on the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, the San Diego County Water Authority and the Encina Wastewater Authority.
He also serves as a director of the Southern California Water Committee and a member of the Southern California Ag Water Team.
In addition to his work in agriculture, he served two terms as a member of the Carlsbad City Council and is a past director of the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, the San Diego County Water Authority, and the Encina Wastewater Authority.
For more information about the gala, which is the botanic garden’s largest annual fundraiser, call (760) 436-3036 ext. 218 or visit the website at sdbgarden.org.
Tickets are $200 per person.
