VICTORIA, Texas -- US Representative Ron Paul announced today the hiring of agricultural specialist Phil Boyd-Robertson to his Texas staff. Boyd-Robertson will work exclusively with the ag community from around the 14th District.

"Phil brings many years of hands-on experience in farming, ranching and ag-related industries to the office, and is someone who knows first-hand the unique and varied challenges faced by those who make their living from agriculture in this part of Texas," said Paul. The congressman noted that Boyd-Robertson’s education and work experience makes him equally suited to assisting those along the coast, as well as inland.

A graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Soil and Crop Sciences, Boyd-Robertson interned with BASF and the Bayer Corporation, performing field tests for agricultural chemicals. Following graduation, he worked for KW Brown Environmental in College Station. There he conducted soil and water sampling projects, as well as electro-magnetic surveys of salt-damaged oil fields. Following that, he served as a research technician at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in Yoakum, then served as environmental technician at Station Equipment and Maintenance in Victoria, performing groundwater assessment studies and soil sampling.

He most recently worked in research for Novartis Seeds, Inc., (formerly the Northrup King Compant). In that position, he was responsible for implementing a hybrid yield trial program in growing regions throughout Texas, managed a greenhouse screening program and assisted in sorghum breeding nurseries cross-pollination studies.

Boyd-Robertson says he recognized his love of agriculture as a young boy working on a farm in Port Lavaca, and is committed to working to ensure others have the opportunity to develop and pursue that same love.

"The agricultural community has challenges which are very unique to them, and I look forward to representing those ideas and problems before Congressman Paul and the US government," said Boyd-Robertson. "Like the congressman, I am committed to ensuring that the interests of the farmers, ranchers and industry are properly represented. For far too long bureaucratic interests have gotten in the way of good agricultural. I look forward to helping the people of the 14th District cut through the government red-tape as they attempt to produce the best possible product they can."

The 14th District of Texas stretches over 22 counties and is mainly rural, with a large percentage of the district’s residents deriving their income from agriculture and ag-related industry.

To reach Boyd-Robertson, call the Victoria office at (512) 576-1231.