schools and safe environments for our team members.” Braga currently serves on the Western Growers Board of Directors, is a former board member of the Grower Shipper Association, a founding board member of the Pacific Valley Bank in Monterey County and a former board member of the Natividad Hospital in Salinas, Calif. During his tenure as board member of Natividad Hospital, he facilitated in bringing a trauma center to the hospital and helped it attain strong financial footing. “The hospital services a lot of people, including our team members and their families, so it’s very important to have a strong medical facility in our county, and I’m very proud of what they’ve been able to accomplish,” he said. Being recognized as Grower of the Year for Braga extends beyond his personal accomplishments and contributions on and off the farm. “This is really a recognition for our entire team, which is about 1,900 people strong,” he said. “I want to embrace this moment and use it to thank our entire team. I think they’ll take a lot of pride in this recognition.” For Braga, the company is rooted in its core principles of farming with integrity, respecting people and preserving the land on which it grows. “Without any of those things, we certainly wouldn’t be where we are today,” he said. David Cardenas celebrating 54 years with the company. David worked with Rod’s grandfather, Sebastian Braga and father Norman.
AGRICULTURE LAND INVESTMENT SALES
Bobby Wuertz Agriculture Land Advisor bwuertz@landadvisors.com 480.874.4312
VISIT LANDADVISORS.COM
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2023
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Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
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