Lakeside Organic Gardens founder Dick (Dickie) Peixoto was recognized as the Grower of the Year at the 2024 Organic Grower Summit in Monterey, Calif.
“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 said in a news release.
The company said this award recognized Peixoto’s commitment to organic farming and pioneering efforts to transform the agricultural industry.
“The Lakeside family is extremely proud of Dick for receiving this well-deserved recognition,” Juan Gonzalez, chief operating officer at Lakeside Organic Gardens, said in the news release. “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.”
Peixoto began his journey in organic farming nearly 30 years ago.
“I got into organic because I thought it was a viable business decision,” he said. “Improving health and well-being for people and the earth was a byproduct of that business decision.”
Since its creation, Lakeside Organic Gardens has become one of the largest family-owned solely organic vegetable grower/shippers in the country.
“Dick has been a true leader in the Watsonville agriculture community for many years,” Jess Brown, executive director of Focus Ag and the Farm Bureau of Santa Cruz county. “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.”
Lakeside Organic Gardens grows more than 50 different organic crops on more than 2,200 acres. The company said Peixoto remains 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 said. “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 30 years.”
