Tony Alameda, co-owner of Topflavor Farms, is the new chairman of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California.
Alameda is a second-generation farmer of vegetables. Topflavor was founded in the Yuma, Ariz., area and expanded in the Salinas and San Juan Valleys of California, according to a news release. He also co-founded Sabor Farms and he and his wife Cathy established Gud Pak Harvesting, which transformed to Foothill Packing.
In 1983, he joined with his brothers Steve and Craig, and father Mel, forming The Alameda Co., formerly known as L.S. Williams Co., Fremont, Calif., according to the release.
Alameda is president of the United Vegetable Growers Cooperative. He was elected to the chairman position on Oct. 21 by Grower-Shipper Association members.
In the release, Alameda talked about the work the group has done during the COVID-19 pandemic, including establishing a quarantined housing program, making personal protective equipment available and expedited COVID-19 testing for workers.
“I’m extremely proud of this work but we must continue to advance solutions-based programs to address our region’s most critical challenges which include protecting farm workers and finding innovative ways to improve food safety for the benefit of consumers as well as protect our ocean, rivers and environment along the Central Coast,” Alameda said in the release.
Jason Smith of Smith Family Wines is the association’s past chairman.
Others on the Grower-Shipper Association board are:
- Tom Nunes V of the Nunes Co., vice chairman;
- Victor Ramirez of NorCal Harvesting, secretary-treasurer;
- Rodney Braga of Braga Fresh Family Farms;
- Allan Clark of Merrill Farms;
- Patrick Collins of Bengard Ranch;
- Melissa Duflock of Duflock Vineyards;
- Steve Ish of Taylor Farms;
- Jay Iverson of GreenGate Fresh;
- Colby Pereira of Braga Fresh Family Farms; and
- Robert Verloop of Coastline Family Farms.
“I’d like the Grower-Shipper Association to be the uniting voice of the Central Coast and continue to set the standard for growing operations nationwide,” Alameda said in the release. “One that is leading our industry to grow safer, more innovative, high quality products while improving our community for colleagues and neighbors alike.”
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