The Agricultural Leadership Award acknowledges the individual, company, group, association or agency that has made the most significant contribution to the Agricultural community of the Salinas area. That contribution can be of a technical, environmental, cultural, organizational, entrepreneurial, and/or humanitarian nature.

2007 Award Winner:
Joe Pezzini a third generation California farmer will be presented the prestigious Agricultural Leadership Award for his tremendous work on behalf of the fresh produce industry. Pezzini has taken a strong leadership position representing the fresh produce industry during the foodborne illness outbreaks of 2006 as an industry spokesperson. Pezzini, who recently chaired the Grower Shipper Vegetable Association Board of Directors, was also instrumental in leading the industry toward in the development of the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement which sets uniform food safety good agricultural practices and enhanced food safety practices for the entire leafy greens industry.

Special thanks to our 2007 sponsors:

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 National Steinbeck Center One Main Street, Salinas, CA For ticket information Please call the chamber at 424-7611.

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 Previous Award Winners:
2007 Joe Pezzini
2006 Andy Matsui
2005 Don Nucci
2004 Henry Hibino
2003 Katherine Borchard
2002 Andy D’Arrigo
2001 John Inman
2000 Butch Lindley
1997 Tanimura & Antle
1999 Dennis Caprara
1998 Richard & Claudia Smith
1996 Bill Ramsey
1995 David & Susan Gill
1994 Fresh Express
1993 Basil Mills
1992 John Pryor
1991 Dick Nutter
1990 Tom Merrill