On May 30 at this year’s West Coast Produce Expo in Palm Desert, Calif., The Packer and the Equitable Food Initiative will present the second annual Grow the Good Farmworker of the Year award. To recognize the critical role farmworkers have in the fresh produce industry, The Packer is spotlighting each of this year’s five finalists, who were selected from nominations submitted in February.
Earlier this year, Lakeside Organic Gardens celebrated a milestone for one of its own, Rene Orozco, who is described as a pillar of the company.
Orozco has worked at Lakeside Organic Gardens for 40 years and counting. He began with helping harvest snap peas before accepting new roles.
Lakeside Organic Gardens said Orozco also took on more responsibility in its irrigation department for eight years, operated a tractor for seven years and served as a planting supervisor. He’s currently the company’s tractor driver supervisor and leads by example to motivate his team, according to the company.
“Rene believes in giving young workers the same opportunities he once had, and he leads his team with integrity, knowledge, and passion for organic farming,” Lakeside Organic Gardens said in a social media post celebrating Orozco’s career. “His dedication to maintaining food safety, soil health and training the next generation is truly inspiring.”
In nominating Orozco for the Farmworker of the Year award, the company called him a model of growth and steadfast work, embodying perseverance and commitment. It also touted Orozco’s focus on good communication, field care, food safety and worker training.
“When everyone on the team owns their part and takes responsibility, we work well together to get things done,” Orozco said in the social media post. “I’m proud of the food we provide. I see the way it grows, and it brings me joy because I know it’s truly organic. I’m happy to share that confidence with our products with others.”
