Dr. Vernon D. Damsteegt to receive a USDA 2002 Secretary's Honor Award on July 8, 2002.  The award will be presented by Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman at a ceremony in the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center, Washington, DC.

Dr. Damsteegt is receiving the award for his part in effectively limiting the spread of the invasive and devastating plum pox virus in U.S. stone fruits by building an inclusive team of University, State, Federal, and agricultural industry personnel.