Sonoma County Farm Bureau Receives County Of The Year Award

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The California Farm Bureau recognized the Sonoma County Farm Bureau this week with the County of the Year Award among bureaus statewide of 800 or more members.

"Through daily emails, the county Farm Bureau kept its members up to date about the pandemic and the status of local wildfires," the California Farm Bureau said in a news release. "In addition, the county Farm Bureau hosts a weekly radio program to inform listeners about local agriculture. It has been active on water quality issues and has taken a lead role in promoting animal agriculture."

The awards were presented Tuesday during a virtual ceremony as part of the 102nd California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

Sonoma County Farm Bureau President Jeff Carlton said in a news release he is "thrilled that the hard work of our Sonoma County Farm Bureau members, directors, and staff is being recognized at the state level."

"We all know that Farm Bureaus across the state do a great of protecting and protecting agriculture and I would like to congratulate all of the other nominees," Carlton said. "It is especially meaningful to be recognized as County of the Year this year as it has been one like no other and we have worked tirelessly to protect agriculture and serve our members through many challenging circumstances whether it be wildfires, pandemics, or the daily challenges farmers face. We will continue to serve our members in Sonoma County, no matter what comes our way."

Neighboring Napa County Farm Bureau likewise received the County of the Year Award but for membership size 500-799.

"The county Farm Bureau has been active during the pandemic, arranging for COVID-19 tests for farm employees and creating local, Spanish-language outreach videos about pandemic safety," the California Farm Bureau said in a news release. "The county Farm Bureau provided free N95 respirators to farm employees during wildfires, and undertook fee administration for a regional vineyard water-quality program."

Napa County Farm Bureau also received five awards for excellence as part of the annual meeting, the organization stated.

"This is an honor and evidence that we are on the right track in professionally representing agriculture in Napa County," Napa County Farm Bureau President Johnnie White said in a news release. "This is a great win for our team and our membership!"

California Farm Bureau recognizes select county Farm Bureaus for exceptional achievements on the local level. This process provides maximum recognition of the significant program of work undertaken by the selected county Farm Bureaus in California.

"We're very excited and honored to be named California Farm Bureau County of the Year and to also receive 5 separate awards for achieving excellence," Napa County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Klobas said in the news release. "As the CEO of the oldest agricultural organization in Napa Valley, it is an absolute honor to represent so many Ag families and businesses and to know that we are successful on their behalf. I am so proud of this organization and the work that we do."

The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 34,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 5.5 million Farm Bureau members, according to its website.

Tito Sasaki, Longtime Sonoma County Farmer, Earns Award For Distinguished Service

In more exciting news from Tuesday's annual California Farm Bureau meeting, longtime Sonoma County agricultural and water leader Tito Sasaki was presented with the California Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award.

According to a news release from the California Farm Bureau Federation, Sasaki is a Sonoma Valley grape grower who began farming after a successful career in engineering and quantum mechanics. Sasaki went on to serve as president and board member for the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, where he became particularly involved in local and statewide water issues.

Sasaki worked tirelessly on Sonoma County water for 20 years, according to California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson.

"He has devoted much of his time to developing water solutions and strategies, namely a balance among the water needs of farmers, fish and urban residents," Johansson said, pointing out Sasaki's recent work on Sonoma County implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.

"Tito's reach and influence has extended beyond Sonoma County," Johansson said. "He has provided input on agriculture and water issues in areas around Sonoma County and has been keenly focused on statewide issues impacting farmers."

Current Sonoma County Farm Bureau President Jeff Carlton, who nominated Sasaki for the award, described Sasaki as "widely respected by both Farm Bureau members and elected officials, who value his intelligence and grasp of complex issues."

According to the California Farm Bureau, it has presented the Distinguished Service Award annually since 1953 to dedicated Farm Bureau members from California.