Ray Fred Smith (20 January 1919, Los Angeles – 23 August 1999, Lafayette) was an American agronomist and entomologist whose research focused on biological methods of arthropod pest management.
He joined as a faculty in 1941 at Berkeley and his teaching focused on an ecological approach to insects that examined natural population regulation factors and only sought minimal targeted use of pesticides.
By using locally relevant ecological methods to control insects, weeds, and disease, integrated pest management allows farmers to reduce their use of and reliance upon pesticides while increasing profits.
[5] Along with Adkisson, Smith was awarded the World Food Prize in 1997 for his achievements in implementing IPM both in the United States and in developing countries.
Woodworth Award for Outstanding Achievements in Entomology of the ESA, an honorary doctorate from College van Dekanen, Wageningen, and a UC Berkeley Citation after his retirement.