Ray F. Smith

Ray F. Smith (1919 – 23 August 1999) was an American agronomist whose research focused on biological methods of arthropod pest management.^[1] As chair of the Entomology Department at the University of California at Berkeley from 1959-1973, he was instrumental in expanding the program to include four subdivisions within the field. During this time, he was also director for the University of California for Pest Management and Related Environmental Protection Project with UC/AID, and later, executive director of the Consortium for International Crop Protection. Dr. Smith also helped to establish the Panel of Experts on Integrated Pest Control of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme.^[2]

Beginning in 1972, Smith was an associate project director of the Huffaker Project, which coordinated the research of scientists at 18 land-grant universities regarding integrated pest management for six major crops. It was through this endeavor that Dr. Smith met and developed breakthrough techniques of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with Dr. Perry L. Adkisson. By using locally relevant ecological methods to control insects, weeds, and disease, integrated pest management allows farmers to reduce their use of and reliance upon pesticides while increasing profits.^[3]

Along with Dr. Adkisson, Dr. Smith was awarded the World Food Prize in 1997 for his achievements in implementing IPM both in the United States and in developing countries.^[4]

Smith died on 23 August 1999. He was 80 years old.^[1]

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