Organic Legend and Creator of the Lakeside Organic Gardens Brand, Dick Peixoto, to Receive Grower of the Year Award at Organic Grower Summit
October 25, 2024
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Driven by a desire to farm with excellence and to build a business that yields exponential value, the owner-grower of Lakeside Organic Gardens, Dick Peixoto, strikes a balance between organic production and serving the global community.
Watsonville, CA (October 25, 2024) — Lakeside Organic Gardens is thrilled to announce that its founder, Dick (Dickie) Peixoto, will be honored with the distinguished Grower of the Year award at the 2024 Organic Grower Summit (OGS). This prestigious accolade recognizes Peixoto’s unwavering commitment to organic farming and pioneering efforts to transform the agricultural industry. The seventh annual Grower of the Year award will be presented during the keynote session at the upcoming gathering in Monterey, California, on December 4-5, 2024.
“I am extremely humbled and honored by this award, but this tribute should really go to all my employees who make us who we are.” Peixoto comments.
Peixoto’s journey into organic farming began nearly thirty years ago, stemming from his passion for nurturing the land and supporting his community. His dedication led to Lakeside Organic Gardens becoming one of the largest family-owned, solely organic vegetable grower/shippers in the United States. “I got into organic because I thought it was a viable business decision. Improving health and well-being for people and the earth was a byproduct of that business decision,” Peixoto humbly reflects. Peixoto’s legacy is built on innovation, perseverance, and his hands-on leadership approach.
“Dick has been a true leader in the Watsonville agriculture community for many years. He’s an individual who people look to for innovative farming practices and admire for his strong commitment to the community through philanthropic endeavors to make the community a better place for everyone,” said Jess Brown, Executive Director of Focus Ag and the Farm Bureau of Santa Cruz County.
With over 2,200 acres of more than fifty different organic crops, Peixoto remains deeply involved in every aspect of his farming operations, from daily strategic meetings to spending time in the fields alongside his team. “It’s not just about growing vegetables,” Peixoto explains. “It’s about learning how to be better stewards of the land, continually balancing nature’s forces to grow healthy, nutritious food while protecting the environment. We’ve been rejuvenating the soil for almost thirty years.”
“Having competed with Dickey for many years, I now have the privilege of working with him and his Lakeside team. He is a dedicated farmer and well deserving of this honor. Dick’s gracious nature, love of community, and passion for this planet have been a perfect match for what I teach and foster. Love and kindness are how you win the day,” said Todd Linsky, CEO at TLC. “Dick’s mantra of grow, feed, and repeat are at the core of his organic production that the Lakeside family embraces daily.”
The Grower of the Year award is a great honor in the organic farming community. It celebrates those who made significant contributions to the industry and shown exceptional leadership in sustainable agriculture.
“The Lakeside family is extremely proud of Dick for receiving this well-deserved recognition,” said Juan Gonzalez, Chief Operating Officer at Lakeside Organic Gardens. “His dedication to organic farming practices and the well-being of his employees and community are truly inspiring. Dick is not just a grower, he’s a visionary leader who embodies humility and hard work.”
Additionally, Dick will be joining moderator Jessy Beckett Parr, Chief Program Officer at CCOF on a panel of professionals at OGS to discuss real-life land transition sharing insights and best practices on what it takes to run a successful organic model.
About Organic Grower Summit
The Organic Grower Summit is a premier event that serves as a hub for organic producers and suppliers to come together and explore the latest trends, techniques, and innovations in organic farming, now produced by Farm Progress.
Website: www.organicgrowersummit.com
About Lakeside Organic Gardens
Lakeside Organic Gardens is dedicated to growing and delivering the highest quality organic vegetables. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Lakeside strives to bring wholesome, delicious produce to tables, every season of the year.
Website: lakesideorganic.com
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