Agriculture plays a vital role in Riverside County both economically and culturally. The citizens of our County enjoy the many benefits that come from a healthy agricultural industry, including major economic contributions to the local and regional economy, employment opportunities, the availability of a diverse and nutritious food supply, as well as the valuable open space that results from the maintenance of productive agricultural lands. In order to preserve the riches that come to our County through a flourishing agricultural industry, the County works closely with this industry through the offices of the County Agricultural Commissioner.

For twenty eight years, Robert M. Howie served as the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner. During his tenure, Riverside County became one of the top agricultural producing counties in California and saw substantial production increases in citrus, dairy products, vegetables, grapes, eggs, and nursery stock. In 1983, to honor Mr. Howie's many years of service and contributions to Riverside County agriculture, the Board of Supervisors dedicated the plaza area outside of the County Administrative Center (CAC) as the Robert M. Howie Citrus Plaza. The plaza consisted of several oranges and a modest monument briefly describing his contributions to the County.

Due to the construction of the CAC annex, the Plaza was relocated to the northwest corner of the CAC complex. The citrus trees for the Plaza are currently in place. Based on input from county staff, many interested supporters and stake holders within the agricultural community, a new monument for the Robert M. Howie Plaza has been designed to recognize both the agricultural community and Mr. Howie. The monument is intended to be harmonious with the Plaza, complimenting the existing architecture and monuments in the CAC complex and will consist of a granite column and attached bench.

The Agricultural Commissioner's Office is currently collecting funds to bring this monument to fulfillment. For more information, please click on the links below.

Dedication Ceremony Program

Dedication Ceremony - December 12, 2006

Progress Update - 6/7/2006    Board of Supervisors Meeting - June 6, 2006

Portrait of Robert Howie

Diagram of Howie Plaza Monument

Monument Letter from the Agricultural Commissioner