Tony Alameda from Topflavor Farms Joins WGCIT for May Lunch and Learn The Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) in Salinas hosted its May Lunch & Learn, featuring Tony Alameda of Topflavor Farms. Dennis Donohue, Executive Director of the WGCIT, introduced Tony to a packed house of agtech startups, reminiscing about his radicchio sales days when Tony achieved double the yields on a challenging chicory crop. This success solidified Tony’s reputation for excellence. Tony Alameda, a name synonymous with innovation and tradition in the agricultural sector, has been a guiding force in the industry. A second-generation farmer, Tony, alongside his family, has cultivated Topflavor Farms into a beacon of diverse and sustainable farming. Established in 1983 in Fremont, California, and known for its vegetable production across California and Mexico, the company has flourished under his leadership. Tony’s vision led to the expansion into the Salinas and San Juan Valleys, where Top Flavor Farms now produces over two dozen different commodities. Growing up farming in the desert, Tony remembers working hard from a young age. Tony’s influence extends beyond the fields. As a co- founder of Sabor Farms and former Chair of the Grower- Shipper Association of Central California’s Board of Directors, he has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation, especially during the challenging times of the global pandemic. His commitment to community and collaboration was evident when he co-founded Sabor Farms after a chance meeting with Jess Quinlan, proving that great ideas can sprout from simple conversations. Addressing agtech startups, Tony shared insights from his family’s strategic move to the Salinas Valley, leveraging its perfect Mediterranean climate and diverse soils to grow a variety of crops. His advice to these budding entrepreneurs was clear: partner with stakeholders who are as passionate about innovation as they are about agriculture. These are the partners who will embrace new technologies and see them through to fruition. Tony’s approach to farming is a blend of embracing new technologies and honoring time-tested methods. His openness to trying new technological solutions is balanced by the wisdom to recognize that sometimes, traditional ways are the smartest. This philosophy has not only made him an excellent farmer but also a respected leader in the agricultural community. The best advice Tony had for the WGCIT innovators was to not drop off samples to a grower and run. Farmers want to see the product or service work in the field. Most growers are open to trying new things, but the entrepreneurs must do the work with them. For those who would like to learn more, please listen to Tony’s interview with the Platform 10 Podcast. For more information about joining the WGCIT and having access to its monthly Lunch & Learn events with growers, visit the Center’s website at www.wginnovation.com. -Emily Lyons
Western Growers to Honor Sonny Rodriguez at 2024 Annual Meeting Western Growers will bestow The Growers Company President and CEO Sonny Rodriguez with the 2024 Award of Honor at the organization’s 98th Annual Meeting in November. The Award of Honor is Western Growers’ highest recognition of achievement and is given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community. The Growers Company has offered custom produce harvesting since 1950 and is a third-generation family business. It is based in Yuma, Arizona, with offices in California; the company harvests lettuce, mix lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli and many other commodities. Rodriguez was first elected to the Western Growers Board of Directors in 1998. “I have no words to describe how grateful I am to be chosen this year for the Award of Honor,” Rodriguez said. “I am truly humbled to be recognized by my peers and to stand among the great men and women who were honored before me. The real honor is being able to serve our industry by being on the Board of Western Growers.” Rodriguez’s achievements will be celebrated at the Award of Honor Dinner Gala at the Western Growers 2024 Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Nov. 3-6, 2024. -Ann Donahue
36 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com July | August 2024
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker