WSSA Celebrates NAICC’s Service to Agriculture Award for Bill Chism

The prestigious award recognizes Chism’s dedicated service and leadership beneficial to crop and research consultants and to the American farmer

WESTMINSTER, Colorado – February 4, 2025 – The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) is celebrating a prestigious award recently bestowed on Bill Chism, Ph.D., and WSSA Endangered Species Act (ESA) Committee Chair, by the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants (NAICC).

NAICC presented the award to Chism at its annual meeting in January in Monterey, California, recognizing him for his dedicated service and leadership that has proven beneficial to crop and research consultants and to the American farmer. Chism is a former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employee as well as a farmer and consultant.

“Bill was always open to listening to what was actually going on in the field,” says Allison Jones, NAICC Executive Vice President. “Agriculture is lucky to have him ‘in the field’ and using his past experiences  to provide EPA and USDA with a high-level view of agricultural issues.”

Chism is one of WSSA’s most active members, a highly respected weed scientist, and someone well-versed in finding solutions to overcome agricultural production challenges. “Bill has great understanding of EPA programming efforts and how EPA works,” says Greg Dahl, WSSA president. “His leadership has been instrumental in interpreting the complexities of the Endangered Species Act and advising farmers and agricultural professionals on how to comply with its requirements in the most helpful and efficient ways.”

Over the years, Chism’s leadership has resulted in practical ways to protect the environment while also helping farmers produce food, feed and fiber for the nation. “We’re grateful to Bill, and we’re grateful to the NAICC for recognizing his service to agriculture,” says Dahl. “His many contributions make him a true friend of agriculture and a true friend of the environment.”

National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants 2025 President Daniel Fowler (left) presents the Service to Agriculture Award to Bill Chism, the Endangered Species Committee Chair for the Weed Science Society of America.

For more information about WSSA and its endangered species initiatives, visit: https://wssa.net/endangered-species/.

About the Weed Science Society of America

The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), a nonprofit scientific society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Society promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world. For more information, visit www.wssa.net.

Contact:                                               

Lee Van Wychen
Executive Director of Science Policy
National & Regional Weed Science Societies
[email protected]
202-746-4686