Mar 6, 2015

MSU honors MVC director with award

Dave Smith, executive director of the Michigan Vegetable Council (MVC), will be honored with a Distinguished Service to Agriculture and Natural Resources award, an annual award presented by Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The award will be presented March 10 during a luncheon at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.

Smith was formerly a partner in Smith Brothers Farms in Erie, Michigan. He has served as executive director of MVC since July 1998, when he transitioned from full-time farming. After earning a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in food marketing management from MSU, he worked as a loan officer for the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives from 1973-83 before returning to the family farm. After transitioning from full-time farming, Smith continued to operate the farm’s retail market through 2005.

During the years he farmed, Smith served on MVC’s board of directors, including a term as its president. He also was appointed to serve on the Michigan Potato Industry Commission and the National Potato Promotion Board. In 1993, he was recognized for his industry activities when he received MVC’s Master Farmer Award.

Since becoming its director, Smith has been involved in expanding the scope of MVC’s activities. He was involved in the discussions and planning that resulted in combining the annual conventions of MVC and Michigan State Horticultural Society. Now in its 15th year, the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO has become the premier show for fruit and vegetable growers and farm marketers. Smith continues to be involved with many of the planning aspects of the EXPO.