US (DC): Robert Sakata of Sakata farms takes home the 2014 grower achievement award

With nearly 500 people in attendance from 36 states, Canada, and Mexico, Robert Sakata accepted American Vegetable Grower’s 2014 Grower Achievement Award at United Fresh’s Washington Public Policy Conference, which took place through Wednesday, Sept. 10, in Washington, DC.

Sakata, who is the president of Sakata Farms, located in Brighton, CO, produces more than 1,600 acres of vegetables including sweet corn, onions, cabbage, and pinto beans. He is the president of the Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association, the president of the Colorado Onion Association, and is involved in numerous industry organizations.

Sakata said he was honoured to receive the award, and told the crowd about the history of the farm, including how his father, Bob, started the operation after being held in an internment camp near the end of World War II. Sakata mentioned that in spite of everything his father went through, he is living the American dream. He also went on to say that educating the public about the critical need for agriculture in our country will be paramount, as regulations impacting ag continue to mount and the need for labour increases. “I know I’m preaching to the choir, though,” he said with a laugh.

Click here to read the complete article at growingproduce.com.