The Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s (FIAB) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC) is welcoming three new members this year. The subcommittee serves as an expert scientific panel on matters concerning efficient use of fertilizing materials and irrigation water. TASC members assist in setting project priorities for the Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) grant program, review and recommend research and outreach proposals to the FIAB for funding, and advise on FREP activities.
For more information on TASC visit the FREP webpage: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/frep/fiab-tasc.html
Dr. Franklin Gaudi
Dr. Franklin Gaudi has an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Technology and a M.S. in Industrial and Technical Studies with a Specialization in Irrigation. Dr. Gaudi is the Vice President of Design for Laurel Ag and Water. He has over 10 years of experience working across the state in irrigation and perennial and annual cropping systems. Dr. Gaudi also has several years of research experience working as a professor at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. He is a Certified Crop Advisor, Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist and Certified Irrigation Designer.
Dan Cook
Mr. Dan Cook has a M.S. in Soil and Water Science and is the Southwest Region Agronomist for Tessenderlo Kerley Inc. He has over 10 years of experience working in tree, vegetable, and row crops throughout California. Cook also has over five years of research experience investigating drought and salinity tolerance, soil fertility, and crop nutrition. He is a Certified Crop Advisor with the Nitrogen Management Specialty and has several years of experience reviewing agronomic research.
Dr. Ehsan Toosi
Dr. Ehsan Toosi has a Ph.D. in Soils and Biogeochemistry and is the Director of Research and Development for True Organic Products. He has almost 10 years of experience working in annual and perennial cropping systems in the Central Valley and Central Coast. Dr. Toosi has research experience investigating carbon and nutrient cycling and organic matter transformations, as well as ample experience reviewing for academic journals in plant and soil science.