GROWER OF THE YEAR AWARD

CONGRATULATIONS DUNCAN FAMILY FARMS

The Organic Grower Summit (OGS) has named Arnott Duncan, founder of Duncan Family Farms, as the 2025 Grower of the Year. The John Deere-sponsored award recognizes Duncan's three-decade transformation from small-scale agritourism operator to organic farming innovator managing 3,850 acres across three states.Duncan's path to organic leadership began with an accidental discovery in the 1990s. While operating a farm stand and petting zoo that attracted 30,000 children annually to his Goodyear, Arizona, property, Duncan and his wife Kathleen composted daily waste from the animals and farm operations.

Photo caption: Arnott Duncan of Duncan Family Farms (left) receives the Organic Grower of the Year award from Greg Christensen of John Deere (right).

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CELEBRATING THE GROWER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

This year’s Grower of the Year Award Finalists are redefining organic farming through innovative practices and commitment to sustainability and community impact. From leafy greens to cotton and grains, the finalists highlight the diversity of organic agriculture. Learn more about these trailblazing leaders, and check out the summit’s new four-finalist format.

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Arnott Duncan, Duncan Family Farms (Arizona, Oregon, New York): Led by Arnott Duncan, this 3,850-acre operation specializes in organic leafy greens, herbs and specialty crops. Known for its advanced composting and irrigation systems, Duncan Family Farms also donates thousands of pounds of produce weekly to local food banks and supports educational programs for farmers.

Carl Pepper, Carl Pepper Farm (O'Donnell, Texas): Carl Pepper, known as the “Guru of Organic Cotton,” has been a leader in organic cotton farming for over 35 years. His 4,000-acre farm employs regenerative practices, shallow tillage techniques and custom equipment innovations. Pepper is also a co-founder of the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative and a mentor to new farmers.

Larry Jacobs, Jacobs Farm Del Cabo (Santa Cruz, California): Co-founder of a transformative cooperative, Larry’s farm is a model for soil health and water conservation.

Harold and Ross Wilken, Janie’s Farm & Janie’s Mill (Ashkum, Illinois): Champions of biodiversity and soil restoration, the Wilkens operate Illinois’ largest diversified organic farm and its only organic flour mill.

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2024 WINNER - CONGRATULATIONS DICK PEIXOTO, LAKESIDE ORGANIC GARDENS

The Organic Grower Summit will honor Dick Peixoto, owner and grower of Lakeside Organic Gardens, as the recipient of the seventh annual Grower of the Year Award. The Grower of the Year Award, sponsored by Fendt, will be presented to Peixoto during the keynote presentation at the Organic Grower Summit. Peixoto, known for leading the largest family-owned and operated solely organic vegetable operation in the United States, was selected for his longstanding commitment to organic farming, sustainability and leadership in the organic industry.

Peixoto, a third-generation farmer, started his career early by hiring neighborhood kids to help him pick tomatoes on his family farm in the Pajaro Valley. Since founding Lakeside Organic Gardens in 1996, he has expanded his operation from 55 certified acres to 3,300 certified organic acres in California. Lakeside Organic Gardens now grows over 50 different organic commodities, available year-round, and distributed across the U.S. and Canada. Peixoto is deeply committed to sustainable farming practices, focusing on water conservation, energy optimization and promoting biodiversity.

When he’s not overseeing his fields or working at Lakeside’s custom cooler, Peixoto can be found at his farm-to-table restaurant in Watsonville, The California Grill, which serves fresh organic vegetables straight from Lakeside Organic Gardens.