Steve Patricio and his family.
is as successful as it is today,” said Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, CPS executive director. “He truly embodies passion and proactivity, and his commitment to food safety to benefit both the consumer and industry is unlike any other.” Patricio has played an integral role in the development and growth of the CPS, including leading a significant fundraising campaign when he was its chairman that raised more than $12 million to fund research geared toward preventing foodborne illnesses. His efforts on food safety have had an international impact and continue to shape public policy. “Steve has one of the brightest minds and quickest wits in the industry,” said Bob Gray, past WG chairman and former president/CEO of the California Ag Leadership Foundation. “He is a contributor of substance, and the expertise and competence he has brought regarding food safety and water have made major impacts for the industry.” Patricio’s tenacity does not stop at food safety. Under the mentorship of Telles early in his career, Patricio found what he later would refer to as his number one hobby: water. At TRI Produce, Telles—who was a water attorney—involved young Patricio in the dealings of federal, state and local surface water contracts since the farm owned a hefty amount of land throughout the West. “I needed to get involved to make sure we were compliant, and I came to realize how little people knew about their water and their rights to that water,” said Patricio.
At the time, he did not know much about water rights either, but he started attending meetings about water contracts; engaged in conversations about the Central Valley Project; researched and read articles about water districts and bureaus; and listened intently to stories Telles would tell about his firm forming many of these districts and negotiating these water contracts. After years of listening and learning, his hobby became his passion. In the mid-1990s, Telles and Patricio decided to launch an orientation program for their agribusinesses that focused exclusively on water rights. This was a first for the industry and something that was much needed. “There was a continuous stream of growers approaching us asking for our help. We needed a steady supply of melons to grow our future and water was the key,” he said. Patricio has spent countless hours throughout the years in lobbying meetings, press conferences and water debates advocating for a sustainable supply of water for farmers to grow the food that feeds the state, nation and world. In fact, while he was WG chairman, he was asked to join then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the San Luis Reservoir to call attention to the need for more surface water storage and stress the need for a comprehensive water solution. “Steve has been a tireless advocate for agriculture, and his ability to turn some of the most tumultuous challenges that
our industry has faced over the past few decades into opportunities is unmatched,” said Tom Nassif, WG president and CEO. “He has already left a tremendous legacy as someone who shoulders the responsibility of igniting change that advances the industry as a whole. It’s been a true honor to work alongside him all these years.” To celebrate his accomplishments and passion for shaping the ag industry, WG will fete him with the 2018 Award of Honor during its Annual Meeting on October 30, 2018, in Palm Desert, CA. The Award of Honor is Western Growers’ highest recognition of industry achievement and is given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community. “I was speechless when I found out I was selected for this award,” remarked Patricio. “I never thought that, in the end of it all, I would be a farmer or involved in this honorable and wonderful world that I am so engaged in today. I often tell youth that your career chooses you, and because I followed the path life decided to take me on, I am proud to say that I am a farmer. I couldn’t imagine being in any other industry.” The award will be presented during the Award of Honor Dinner Gala. There, Patricio will be celebrated by his wife, Nikki; children, Blake, Garrett and Ashley; grandchildren, Yale, Taylor, Peyton, Brooklyn, Carter, Paxton, Kennedy and Bryce; and peers and friends. To attend the ceremony, visit http://www.wgannualmeeting.com.
8 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com JULY | AUGUST 2018
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