Editor’s Note: On May 29 at this year’s West Coast Produce Expo in Palm Desert, Calif., The Packer and the Equitable Food Initiative will present the third 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.
The agricultural industry is built on a foundation of reliability, and few individuals embody that trait more than Isaias Lepes Arredondo. As a finalist for the 2026 Grow the Good Farmworker of the Year award, Arredondo is being recognized for a remarkable 50-year career at Zirkle Fruit Company that began in 1974.
His tenure has been defined by a nearly unbroken record of service and a versatile approach to the evolving needs of the Yakima Valley, Wash.-based fruit grower.
Arredondo entered the industry performing physically demanding manual labor, specifically thinning crops and moving irrigation lines by hand. However, his ability to adapt quickly became his trademark, allowing him to transition through various critical operational roles, including frost protection, irrigation management and pesticide application.
“As the industry has evolved, so has Isaias,” say Arredondo’s colleagues. “He has successfully adapted from traditional manual labor to mastering the newest, most sophisticated irrigation systems and technical machinery.”
This versatility eventually led him to his current leadership position, where he oversees both facility maintenance and equipment operations.
A key factor in Arredondo’s nomination was his reputation for meticulousness and personal accountability. According to his supervisor, he maintains a high standard of care for company assets, ensuring that both agricultural machinery and workforce housing are kept in pristine condition. This attention to detail has earned him the “absolute trust” of Zirkle Fruit’s leadership team, who view him as an indispensable asset to the company’s daily operations.
Beyond his technical proficiency, Arredondo is noted for his consistent professional demeanor and positive attitude. Colleagues describe him as the personification of humility and loyalty, highlighting his never missing a day of work despite the seasonal pressures of the fruit industry.
Additionally, his ability to master modern, sophisticated irrigation systems and complex machinery demonstrates a lifelong commitment to professional development and industry excellence.
Arredondo’s colleagues also describe him as a “pillar of mentorship who leads by example without ever seeking the spotlight.” He is always willing to step in for any job required and takes great pride in training the next generation, sharing the tips and tricks gathered from five decades of hands-on experience, they say.
“He is probably one of the best teachers,” says one colleague. “He is always willing to help us teach any job that’s on the farm because he knows them all.”
Notably, he was instrumental in training current supervisors, passing down the foundational knowledge that keeps the operation running smoothly.
Arrendondo works out of a genuine love for his craft and a selfless commitment to his team, say colleagues. His 50-year legacy of kindness and hard work makes him an exceptional representative of the resilience and dedication found in the farmworker community.
