Torry Farms to receive award at United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference

Torrey Farms will receive the 12th annual Grower Achievement Award at the United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference during the Opening General Session Breakfast on Tuesday, October 1. The Grower Achievement Award, presented by American Vegetable Grower magazine, honors grower operations that strive to produce high-quality produce while working for the good of the industry, two areas in which Torrey Farms excels. In the early 1980s, production on Torrey Farms exploded from 700 acres to 7,000 acres. Owners John, Mark and Maureen Torrey attribute their success to hard work and a willingness to experiment. “We aren’t afraid to try new varieties, and have always looked for what we can grow that is of good quality and volume that we have the packing facilities to manage,” said Maureen in an interview earlier this month in Growing Produce.

Maureen, who served as the 2006 United Fresh co-chairwoman, is a strong advocate for public policies that impact the produce industry, including immigration reform and the Farm Bill. She delivered statements before the US House Committee on Agriculture on the 2007 Farm Bill and the US House Committee on Small Business on immigration reform. Maureen understands the importance of a stable labor force to Torrey Farms. Last year, the operation lost 92 of 100 employees working in the packing shed from an I-9 audit. “The employees we lost averaged about 18 years of experience. Now we have to build it up from scratch,” said Maureen.

For more information:
Angela Tiwari, Political Affairs Manager
United Fresh
Tel: 202-303-3416
Email: atiwari@unitedfresh.org