Good afternoon. I am delighted to be here on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture on this important anniversary celebration. It is also a great honor on behalf of the entire Knipling family and to the memory of my father, Edward F. Knipling.
 
Today, I’d like to tell you a little about my father, his values and vision, and what I believe to be his legacy to agricultural science. I will provide perspectives from two vantage points, one from a personal view, and the other as Acting Administrator of the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the same agency my father worked for more than 40 years before he retired about 30 years ago.
 
He is often credited as the originator of the Sterile Insect Technique which is the principal technology used to eradicate the screwworm from the U.S., Mexico, and now all of Central America.
 
If he were here today, I know he would display considerable modesty at such expressions of credit directed solely at himself. I recall very clearly that he always acknowledged the important roles and contributions of a large number of other people and organizations in this remarkable achievement, many of whom are at this celebration.