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GROWER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Grower of the Year 2024

CONGRATULATIONS DICK PEIXOTO, LAKESIDE ORGANIC GARDENS

Sponsored by

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.

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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.

 

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