Torrey Farms To Receive Grower Achievement Award At United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference

WASHINGTON, DC – Torrey Farms will receive the 12th annual Grower Achievement Award at the United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference during the Opening General Session Breakfast on Tuesday, October 1. The Grower Achievement Award, presented by American Vegetable Grower magazine, honors grower operations that strive to produce high-quality produce while working for the good of the industry, two areas in which Torrey Farms excels. In the early 1980s, production on Torrey Farms exploded from 700 acres to 7,000 acres. Owners John, Mark and Maureen Torrey attribute their success to hard work and a willingness to experiment. “We aren’t afraid to try new varieties, and have always looked for what we can grow that is of good quality and volume that we have the packing facilities to manage,” said Maureen in an interview earlier this month in Growing Produce.

Maureen, who served as the 2006 United Fresh co-chairwoman, is a strong advocate for public policies that impact the produce industry, including immigration reform and the Farm Bill. She delivered statements before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture on the 2007 Farm Bill and the U.S. House Committee on Small Business on immigration reform. Maureen understands the importance of a stable labor force to Torrey Farms. Last year, the operation lost 92 of 100 employees working in the packing shed from an I-9 audit. “The employees we lost averaged about 18 years of experience. Now we have to build it up from scratch,” said Maureen.

The Washington Public Policy Conference provides leaders, such as the Torreys, an opportunity to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill. At the conference, produce industry executives from across the supply chain meet with congressional lawmakers and their staff, as well as officials from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss critical policy issues that impact their bottom line.

Learn more about the United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference at http://www.unitedfresh.org/wppc. If you have questions, please contact United’s Angela Tiwari, Political Affairs Manager, at atiwari@unitedfresh.org or 202-303-3416.

Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.

Source: United Fresh Produce Association