Lorenzo Pope
Apr 03, 2024
USA Rice extends condolences to the family and friends of Lorenzo Pope who passed away on March 25, 2024. He was married to wife, Nancy, for more than 55 years, and together they raised eight children.
Dr. Pope was a plant breeder whose work in rice research spanned more than 45 years and left a lasting impact. He was an executive at Rice Researchers, and served for decades on the California Rice Commission Board of Directors and many of its committees, including the Rice Promotion Board.
“I knew Lorenzo for most of my career,” said Dr. Steve Linscombe, director of The Rice Foundation who retired from the Louisiana State University Rice Research Center after 35 years of service. “He was an accomplished rice breeder and very well respected within and beyond the U.S. rice research and California rice industry communities.”
In 2015, the California Rice Research Board presented Dr. Pope with the California Rice Industry Award. Ever an educator and always willing to take a phone call, lend a hand, or attend any rice meeting, Lorenzo will be remembered as a giant in our industry.