Jerry prepares to educate Congressional staffers about IR-4 at a 2025 Friends of IR-4 and Commodity Liaison Committee reception at the House Agriculture Committee hearing room in D.C.
Jerry Baron Retires After 40 Years With The IR-4 Project
The IR-4 Project’s extraordinary Executive Director, Jerry Baron, retires on January 1, 2026. This marks the conclusion of a remarkable 40-year career dedicated to serving the needs of specialty crop growers.
Jerry Baron received a B.S. in Plant Pathology from Ohio State University in 1981, where he discovered his passion for weed science. He continued his studies at North Carolina State University, where he graduated with a Ph.D. in Horticultural Science in 1985. Immediately upon graduation in January of 1986, he began his career with IR-4. He also devoted years of service to the Northeastern Weed Science Society—he has been a mentor to countless budding professionals in the field. He has served as IR-4’s Executive Director since 2006.
From his roots as a researcher to his more recent years as a leader and administrator, Baron has been instrumental in shaping The IR-4 Project into the essential agricultural research organization it is today. His leadership established the robust national network of field, lab, and quality assurance teams critical to securing thousands of safe, effective pest management tools for specialty crop growers nationwide. Baron’s guidance also ensured the program’s successful transition to North Carolina State University from Rutgers University.
A visionary and personable leader, Baron has cultivated an engaged network of stakeholders and partners who bring specialty crop needs to the table and guide IR-4’s research priorities. No matter how small the acreage or niche the crop, Baron has established a culture at IR-4 of being a champion for those growers’ needs and helping them find tools to produce healthy harvests.
Beyond the US, Baron’s commitment to specialty crop growers has aided international trade harmonization efforts, built strong ties with Canadian counterparts, and been instrumental in Codex crop grouping efforts.
Jerry and fellow weed scientist, Harry Agamalian, visiting with prickly pear producers in Salinas, California in the 1990s. No matter how niche the specialty crop, Jerry has devoted his career to understanding and advocating for the growers’ needs.
This fall, IR-4 awarded Baron with the Hall of Fame Award—the highest recognition given by the organization, awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development and success of the IR-4 Project over time. The IR-4 team extends its deepest gratitude to Jerry Baron for his unparalleled dedication, vision, and tireless commitment to the specialty crop industry. For many in our community, when they think of IR-4, they think of Jerry.
As Baron concludes his tenure, IR-4 remains in the capable hands of a skilled, established team committed to the IR-4 mission and guided by his legacy. The search for the next Executive Director is underway, and updates regarding the transition will be shared with the community as they become available.
Read on for some well-wishes sent by the IR-4 community this year as we came together to celebrate our dedicated, heartfelt leader, and check out this video to see the MANY HATS Jerry has worn over his 40-year IR-4 career. Finally, please join us in congratulating Jerry Baron!
At the annual Food Use Workshop, Jerry has brought diverse stakeholder perspectives to the table to prioritize IR-4’s food crop research for the coming year. His leadership has been instrumental in cultivating an engaged network of participants in IR-4’s uniquely participatory research cycle.
Well Wishes for Jerry Baron from Across the IR-4 Community
“Jerry, reaching all the way back to the early days of implementing the Food Quality Protection Act, you have been a valued and respected leader in shaping pesticide and pest management policy, here in the US and globally. From those early days working together, almost three decades ago, until today, I have always appreciated and valued your leadership and collaborative spirit—and most importantly, your friendship. Thank you for your years of service!” -Keith Pitts, Bioceres
“Without the workings of the IR-4 Project, we wouldn’t have an industry. The registration of specialty uses for ginseng have been essential to our industry’s survival. Thank you for your support of the Wisconsin Ginseng industry and for your continued efforts in developing data necessary for the registration of safe and effective pest management solutions for ginseng. Our entire industry wishes you all the best in your retirement.” -Bob Kaldunski, Ginseng Board of Wisconsin
“Over the years, I have come to think of Jerry as one of my closest friends, and after I got onto the CLC, and eventually chaired it for 7 years, we worked and talked together weekly. Jerry’s knowledge and experience have been critical to the continued success of IR-4. He has had to navigate around tighter budgets and even the relocation of the head office to NCSU. During all this time, he had a positive attitude and always seemed to be able to direct the IR-4 program in the correct direction.” -Mike Bledsoe, Village Farms
“Jerry, way to lead by example! What a career and legacy you have built with IR-4. It has been a joy to work with you over the years. Your enthusiasm and commitment are reflected in the success and stability of the program. Wishing you all the best in your next adventures.” –Amy Roberts, Lallemand Plant Care
Jerry at the 2023 Food Use Workshop, celebrating 60 years of IR-4 with his wife, Brenda Baron, and longtime friend and colleague, Dan Kunkel.
“I cannot think of an individual more deserving of passing through that retirement milestone than you, Jerry. You have had a profound impact on the agriculture industry and on so many people over the course of your career. It is a truly remarkable legacy!” -Nancy Delaney, Bayer
“We deeply appreciate the impact you’ve had on the specialty crops industry and the strong foundation you’ve built for IR-4. Your leadership, dedication, and passion have made a lasting impact, and you will truly be missed.” -Karen Silva, Corteva Agriscience
“[Jerry has] been a true servant leader, leading the IR-4 program with passion and dedication that was unsurpassed.”-Moses Kairo, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
“Jerry, thank you for your years of service to IR-4. Your leadership was an example of the highest work ethic, commitment to our mission to specialty crop growers, building a culture of teamwork and positivity, and delivering on our promises!” -John Wise, Michigan State University
Jerry’s leadership has fostered decades of positive collaboration with partners like the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Here, he visits ARS research entomologist and IR-4 Project Management Committee member Alvin Simmons to tour controlled environment research.
“Congratulations on your well-earned retirement. Having been associated with the [Project Management Committee] since the beginning of your reign as Executive Director, I’ve been continually impressed with your ability to navigate all the challenges of the job…Your ability to bridge all the stakeholder and funder expectations has allowed IR-4 to continue to thrive through thick and thin.” -Doug Buhler, Michigan State University
“Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! It has been such a privilege to collaborate with you over the years, from IR4 projects to the TASC grants. I have always admired the way you have led IR-4 with vision, dedication, and a genuine commitment to serving specialty crop growers. Your leadership has left a tremendous legacy, not only through the accomplishments of the project, but also in the way you’ve fostered collaboration, mentorship, and built a strong, supportive community.” -Lina Quesada, NC State University
“Jerry has been a great colleague and friend, always supporting Puerto Rico’s requests. Specifically, the IR-4 team in Puerto Rico will always remember his leadership to provide support and relief efforts after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. His kind words and genuine concern for our well-being will always be remembered.” -Wilfredo Robles Vasquez, University of Puerto Rico
“Through your efforts and the support of our partners, IR-4 funding has increased, especially in recent years during some very challenging budget times. You have successfully made a very strong case for increased support through sponsoring economic impact studies. You were able to anticipate changes in technologies and ensure that IR-4 could adapt to them. You are leaving IR-4 strategically well-prepared to address the known and unknown challenges it will face in the future. IR-4 has become the jewel of the Agricultural Experiment Station system. It best represents the mission and potential impact of that system.” -Dan Rossi, retired from Rutgers University, former IR-4 Northeast Region Director
*We received dozens of messages like these, which were all compiled (unedited) into a book and gifted to Jerry at his retirement party. Thanks to all who participated!
Jerry effectively guided IR-4 through our Headquarters’ transition from Rutgers to North Carolina State University. The IR-4 team is proud to be part of the Wolfpack!
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From farm tours to Hill visits to his daily work, Jerry has led IR-4 with heartfelt dedication and an authentic commitment to service. We are proud to carry his legacy forward.