California Ag Network

Tag: Monterey County

  • David and Susan Gill Honored for Lifelong Dedication to Salinas Valley Ag and Community

    In a gathering that underscored the enduring spirit of innovation and generosity in California’s “Salad Bowl of the World,” David and Susan Gill received the prestigious E.E. ‘Gene’ Harden Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California (GSA). The October 3 event at TPC Pasadera drew more than 275 local leaders, peers, and colleagues, transforming the evening into a tribute to the Salinas Valley’s agricultural legacy. Net proceeds from the event will support causes deeply cherished by the Gills: First Tee Monterey County, which empowers youth through golf and life skills, and the Mission San Antonio de Padua in southern Monterey County, which preserves cultural heritage and community vitality.

    The E.E. ‘Gene’ Harden Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 2004, stands as a beacon of excellence recognizing individuals whose exemplary contributions have advanced agriculture across the Salinas Valley and Central Coast while uplifting the lives of those in their communities. Awarded by peers, colleagues, and even competitors who share a first-hand knowledge of the region’s challenges and triumphs, the honor carries unique importance for those whose actions not only cultivate crops but also advance future generations in our region.

    Rising through the ranks with an unwavering focus on efficiency and stewardship, David Gill has pioneered advancements in crop rotation, water conservation, and supply chain logistics, setting enduring benchmarks for California’s vegetable sector and enhancing yields while preserving precious resources. His wife, Susan Gill, has amplified their impact through tireless advocacy for education, workforce development, and health programs. Both have dedicated significant time and resources to local community groups and organizations, supporting students and families in the region. “The Gills are the embodiment of what makes our valley thrive—not just in terms of the crops harvested, but in lives enriched and futures illuminated,” said Christopher Valadez, GSA President and CEO. Joined on stage by GSA Past-Chairman Tony Alameda, Valadez presented the award to the Gills and also honored past recipients.

    Eugene E. “Gene” Harden was a Salinas Valley pioneer whose bold vision reshaped American agriculture. Born in 1892 to Irish immigrants, Harden arrived in Salinas in the 1920s, founding the E.E. Harden Packing Company, where he developed revolutionary crop rotation techniques that boosted yields and sustainability. Harden was a founding architect of the GSA. Ercia Harden, together with her husband Gene, deeply believed in philanthropy and established the Harden Foundation in 1963. Dedicated to bolstering Salinas Valley charities, their joint legacy reflects a belief that agricultural success must nurture community well-being—from education and health initiatives to cultural preservation—principles that continue to inspire awardees like the Gills today.

    About the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California:

    Founded in 1930, the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California is a pioneering, independent regional organization that unites farmers, shippers, processors, and harvesters, with a mission to advance families, food, and farming to enhance the quality of life in the Salinas Valley and Central Coast. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, GSA protects the land, its people, and the future of the “Salad Bowl of the World.” For more information, visit www.growershipper.com.

  • Artichoke Festival Closes Its Doors After 65 Years

    With deep gratitude and heavy hearts, the board of directors of the Artichoke Festival announces the official closure of the beloved annual event. After 65 unforgettable years celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage, artichoke royalty, and community spirit, the Artichoke Festival will not return in 2025.

    This decision, made after months of thoughtful consideration, stems from the growing financial strain caused by increasing event production costs, insurance premiums, permitting requirements, and operational challenges that have made it no longer feasible to continue.

    What began in 1959 as a local celebration of the Central Coast’s most iconic vegetable blossomed into a treasured tradition, bringing together families, farmers, chefs, volunteers, artists, and visitors from around the world. Through changing times and locations, the festival has remained true to its mission: to honor and promote local agriculture, educate the public about the unique qualities of artichokes, and support community nonprofits through proceeds raised.

    “Ending the festival is one of the most difficult decisions we’ve ever had to make,” said the Festival Board. “But the financial realities we now face are insurmountable. We want to extend our deepest thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, growers, and loyal guests who made every festival possible. Your support sustained us for more than six decades.”

    Linda Scherer, Executive Director of the Artichoke Festival, added:” This festival has been a labor of love for so many of us. Watching it grow from a hometown celebration to a regional highlight has been one of the greatest honors of my life. The memories we’ve made, the people we’ve touched, and the good we’ve done together will live on far beyond this decision. Thank you for letting us be part of your family traditions.”

    Over the years, the Artichoke Festival has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in charitable support, and countless memories—crowning artichoke queens, hosting celebrity chefs, showcasing local youth talent, and feeding generations of families fresh, fried, and stuffed artichokes.

    As the organization winds down, the board will take time to reflect on the best way to preserve the festival’s legacy and continue supporting the agricultural community that inspired it.

    “To the community of Castroville and the entire Monterey County region: thank you. You’ve helped make the Artichoke Festival more than an event—you made it a home.”

    For more information and final updates, please visit www.artichokefestival.org.

    About the Artichoke Festival

    Founded in 1959, the Artichoke Festival has been a cornerstone celebration of Monterey County’s agricultural bounty and community spirit, dedicated to promoting artichoke education and supporting nonprofit partners throughout the region.

  • Monterey County 2016 Annual Crop Report

    Monterey, Calif., (July 10, 2017) – Ag Commissioner Eric Lauritzen has released the Monterey County 2016 Agriculture report and says the following from the introduction of the report:

    It is a pleasure to present the 2016 Monterey County Crop Report that is prepared pursuant to the provisions of Section 2279 of the California Food & Agriculture Code. This report re ects a production value of $4.25 billion for Monterey County, which is a decrease of 9.5% or $449 million under the previous year.

    Crop values vary from year to year based on production, market and weather conditions. The decrease in total crop value in 2016 is primarily the result of market conditions. Eight of the County’s top ten crops had notable decreases, largely due to low market volatility, stable production, but stagnant prices. Head lettuce and leaf lettuce declined nearly 25% and 10% respectively. Total nursery crop value declined by 12%, in part because many greenhouses are being transitioned to medical Cannabis production. The value of our strawberry crop is nearly unchanged from the previous year.

    Each year we like to highlight a segment of the industry in our report and this year chose wine grapes. The wine grape industry was the lone standout among the top ten crops in 2016 with a 28.5% increase, after a below- average year in 2015. A short lm on Monterey County viticulture can be found on our Department’s website. The lm highlights different aspects of the wine industry with interviews describing the evolution of the wine industry in Monterey County. Many thanks to Kim Stemler from the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association for her numerous contributions to this report.

    It is always important to note that the figures provided here are gross values and do not represent or reflect net profit or loss experienced by individual growers, or by the industry as a whole. Growers do not have control over input costs, such as fuel, fertilizers and packaging, nor can they significantly affect market prices.

    This report is our yearly opportunity to recognize the growers, shippers, ranchers, and other businesses ancillary to and supportive of agriculture, which is the largest driver of Monterey County’s economy. As such, we would like to extend our thanks to the industry for their continued effort to provide vital information that enables the compilation of the Monterey County Crop Report. While we continually strive to improve upon this information, without their assistance, this report would not be possible.

    Special recognition for the production of this report goes to Richard Ordonez, Christina McGinnis, Graham Hunting, Shayla Neufeld, and all of the staff who assisted in compiling this information and improving the quality of the report.

    To View the whole report CLICK HERE