Dec 3, 2018

Organic Grower Summit names Grower of the Year

California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and the Organic Produce Network (OPN) will honor long-time organic grower Thaddeus Barsotti of Farm Fresh To You as the recipient of the Organic Grower Summit’s Grower of the Year. Barsotti was selected based on his ongoing commitment and dedication to excellence in organic production and organic industry leadership and innovation.

The Grower of the Year award, sponsored by AGCO, will be presented to Barsotti at the second annual Organic Grower Summit, Dec. 12-13 in Monterey, California.  The Organic Grower Summit, a joint production between California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), brings together organic growers, producers and processors for two days of education, information and networking opportunities with organic production supply chain and service providers. 

“We are honored to present the annual Grower of the Year award to Thaddeus Barsotti.  Thaddeus exemplifies what a hardworking, passionate organic farmer is all about, “ said Greg Milstead, director of sales, Southwest Region for AGCO.

Barsotti is co-CEO of Farm Fresh To You, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and home delivery service that provides fresh, local, organic produce to consumers’ doorsteps. He also heads up farm management for Capay Organic and is active in growing and maintaining over 40 types (60 varieties) of organic fruit and vegetable crops. Farm Fresh To You delivers organic produce boxes directly to homes throughout the state of California.

Barsotti was born on his family farm, Capay Organic, one of the first farms to be organic-certified in Yolo County near Sacramento. He holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Barsotti’s parents began farming in 1976 and selling produce at farmers markets in the Bay Area, ultimately co-founding the well-known Davis Farmers Market.

“Thaddeus Barsotti exemplifies the energy and innovation of a next generation of organic producers that now leads American Agriculture. His family legacy is part of our legacy, and his hard work and accomplishments pave the way to our future, “said Cathy Calfo, Executive Director and CEO of CCOF.

Barsotti serves on the board of CCOF, a nonprofit organization that advances organic agriculture for a healthy world through organic certification, education, advocacy and promotion. He also serves on the board of the Davis Farmers Market.

“Capay Organic is honored to receive this award and would like to pass on the credit and a special thank you the individuals who have kept us farming organically for over forty years – our customers and family of dedicated employees, “ Barsotti said on receiving the award.

Attendee registration for OGS is $499, with discounts available for CCOF members and government and educational members.  Registration to OGS is all-inclusive, and includes admittance to the opening reception, educational sessions, keynote presentations, breakfast, and lunch and trade show floo

Attendees also have the opportunity to purchase tickets to a pair of additional activities:   the 2018 CannaBus Tour from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12 and the CCOF Foundation Dinner on Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm

Over 60 sponsors have confirmed their support of OGS and the tradeshow floor is sold out.  Exhibitors include soil amendment, bio-pesticide, seed, packaging, food safety, Ag technology, and equipment manufacturers who will be connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts. 

For further information about OGS 2018, visit www.organicgrowersummit.com