Western Growers Members Shine as Arnott Duncan Named 2025 Organic Grower of the Year at OGS
The Organic Grower Summit’s 2025 Organic Grower of the Year Award brought a fresh twist to one of the industry’s most anticipated honors. For the first time, the award was narrowed down to four worthy finalists, giving attendees a broader look at the innovation and leadership shaping the ag industry today. In a strong showing for Western Growers, two of the four finalists—Arnott Duncan of Duncan Family Farms and Larry Jacobs of Jacobs Farm Del Cabo—were long-time Western Growers members. Duncan, CEO of Duncan Family Farms, ultimately earned top honors as the 2025 Organic Grower of the Year. With operations in Arizona, Oregon and New York, Duncan Family Farms has become a nationally recognized leader in organic leafy greens, herbs and specialty crops. Under Duncan’s leadership, the farm has invested heavily in advanced composting systems, precision irrigation and soil-building strategies that enhance plant health while reducing environmental impact. Duncan’s win underscores the role of Western Growers members in pushing the boundaries of organic innovation. For his part, Jacobs helped shape the organic movement through Jacobs Farm Del Cabo and its transformative Del Cabo Cooperative, which supports hundreds of small-scale farmers in Baja California.
The expanded format allowed growers from across crop types and regions to share the diverse ways they are redefining organic farming. “This year’s finalists exemplify the innovation and dedication that define organic farming,” said Mike Wilson, senior executive editor at Farm Progress. “The new format allows us to celebrate the diversity of approaches within the industry and provide a platform for these leaders to inspire others.” The finalists represented a wide spectrum of crops and philosophies: • Carl Pepper, Carl Pepper Farm (Texas): A pioneer of organic cotton and regenerative fiber systems. • Arnott Duncan, Duncan Family Farms (Arizona): Scalable, community-centered organic leafy greens production. • Larry Jacobs, Jacobs Farm Del Cabo (California): Soil health innovation and farmer-cooperative empowerment. • Harold & Ross Wilken, Janie’s Farm & Janie’s Mill (Illinois): Diversified grains and one of the Midwest’s only organic flour mills. Congratulations to the 2025 Grower of the Year winner Duncan and all of the finalists. -Michelle Rivera
50 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January – March 2026
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