Ag ‘ icon,’ Richard Rominger, dies
Former U. S. deputy secretary of agriculture was 93
Words of praise and condolences are being expressed over the loss of Richard Rominger, one of the icons of Yolo County agriculture, who was also a former U. S. deputy secretary of agriculture.
Rominger, whose farming legacy spanned generations was 93 when he died Sunday night in Winters with his family at his side.
Local and national political and agricultural figures are mourning the loss of a man who was still being consulted for his expertise.
“The world has lost a bright light this Winter Solistice,” wrote friend Laurel Brooke, on the death of a man who received the UC Davis Medal with his wife of 69 years, Evelyne. The medal is the highest honor of its type awarded by UCD.
Brooke also credited the former Regent for the University of California, developer of National Organic Standards, supervisor of
the USDA budget, and advocate for issues ranging from climate change to land conservation as “one of the biggest agriculturalists of our lifetime.”
“Patti and I are deeply saddened by Richard Rominger’s passing, and our hearts are with Evelyne and their family during this difficult time,” said Congressman John Garamendi. “I called Rich’s cell phone this ( Monday) morning. He did not answer. I’ve called that number hundreds of times seeking advice and counsel, and I have always come away from the conversation with a gem of wisdom, a better solution to a problem, encouragement, and a precious gift of friendship. Not this time. My call was answered by his son confirming Richard Rominger’s death. I’ll keep Rich’s number. He won’t answer, but just calling will encourage me to stay true to the lessons he taught me. I know that Rich treated everyone with the same respect and desire to help. Perhaps they will keep that number, too.”
Richard served in President Bill Clinton’s administration as the USDA deputy secretary, where Garamendi’s wife, Patti ran the Foreign Agriculture Service’s food and famine programs.
“Richard was always the bulwark of support for the American family farmer,” Congressman Garamendi stated. “He knew the challenges facing farm families and he knew how to use government to improve their lot.”
During the Clinton years the USDA teamed up to produce seminal studies on the effects of climate change, create the first Tahoe Summit, address droughts, support land conservation efforts nationwide, attack invasive species, and protect
America’s forests. He is also known for developing national organic standards, placed regulations on the National Drought Energy Agency, and served as president of the American Farmland Trust.
Gov. Jerry Brown recognized Richard’s potential as a problem solver when he appointed him to serve as the secretary of the California Department of Agriculture. “A problemsolver was necessary with Medflies, drought, water wars, and agricultural labor problems in abundance,” Congressman Garamendi stated. “Undaunted by these challenges, Rominger steered a wise course that yielded a bumper crop of solutions.”
Longtime Yolo County Supervisor Don Saylor recalled in a Facebook post visiting the Rominger’s while in Washington, D. C. years ago and how his family was treated as though they were “back on the ranch.”
“Rich Rominger is our finest,” wrote Saylor. “He typified the best values of Yolo. He took those values to the nation and the world. He gave his time to all who crossed his path. I know I am better for knowing him. My heart is with the Rominger family … as they spend this first solstice without him physically
by their sides. That special western star marks his path.”
A Woodland native and fourth- generation farmer, Richard grew up in Winters
and attended UC Davis where he met his future wife Evelyne, whom he married in 1951, after serving in the Navy during WWII. He served on the
Yolo County Farm Bureau as director for 25 years and as president from 1971 to 1973. He was co- founder and founding president of the Yolo Land Trust, served on the board of the American Farmland Trust for 17 years, was chairman of the Yolo County Water Resources Board from 19711977, among many other agricultural organizations.
He was named Agriculturalist of the Year by the California State Fair and received a Distinguished Service Award from the California Farm Bureau Federation for his lifelong commitment to the agricultural community.
After serving in Washington, D. C., Richard and Evelyne returned to Winters and their 6,000- acre farm.
“Richard was a dear friend for whom I have the deepest respect and admiration,” Garamendi noted. “His life’s work has had an indelible positive impact on our state and nation, and he will be deeply missed. Patti and I send our condolences to Evelyne and the Rominger family.”
Rominger is survived by his wife, Evelyne, children, grandchildren, and a greatgrandson. No services are planned at this time.
“Richard was always the bulwark of support for the American family farmer. He knew the challenges facing farm families and he knew how to use government to improve their lot.” — Congressman John Garamendi