California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and the Organic Produce Network (OPN) will honor long-time organic grower Thaddeus Barsotti of Farm Fresh To You as the recipient of the Organic Grower Summit’s Grower of the Year. Barsotti was selected based on his ongoing commitment and dedication to excellence in organic production and organic industry leadership and innovation.
The Grower of the Year award, sponsored by AGCO, will be presented to Barsotti at the second annual Organic Grower Summit, December 12-13 in Monterey, CA. The Organic Grower Summit, a joint production between California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), brings together organic growers, producers and processors for two days of education, information and networking opportunities with organic production supply chain and service providers.
“We are honored to present the annual Grower of the Year award to Thaddeus Barsotti. Thaddeus exemplifies what a hardworking, passionate organic farmer is all about," said Greg Milstead, director of sales, Southwest Region for AGCO.
Barsotti is co-CEO of Farm Fresh To You, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and home delivery service that provides fresh, local, organic produce to consumers’ doorsteps. He also heads up farm management for Capay Organic and is active in growing and maintaining over 40 types (60 varieties) of organic fruit and vegetable crops. Farm Fresh To You delivers organic produce boxes directly to homes throughout the state of California.
Barsotti was born on his family farm, Capay Organic, one of the first farms to be organic-certified in Yolo County near Sacramento. He holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Barsotti’s parents began farming in 1976 and selling produce at farmers markets in the Bay Area, ultimately co-founding Davis Farmers Market.
“Thaddeus Barsotti exemplifies the energy and innovation of a next generation of organic producers that now leads American Agriculture. His family legacy is part of our legacy, and his hard work and accomplishments pave the way to our future," said Cathy Calfo, Executive Director and CEO of CCOF.
Barsotti serves on the board of CCOF, a nonprofit organization that advances organic agriculture for a healthy world through organic certification, education, advocacy and promotion. He also serves on the board of the Davis Farmers Market.
“Capay Organic is honored to receive this award and would like to pass on the credit and a special thank you the individuals who have kept us farming organically for over forty years – our customers and family of dedicated employees," Barsotti said on receiving the award.
For more information:
Matt Seeley
Organic Produce Network
Ph: +1 (831) 884-5058
matt@organicproducenetwork.com
www.organicgrowersummit.com