Leading Ventura County Growers Honored For Stewardship And Sustainable Practices

Online, October 14, 2011 (Newswire.com) - (VENTURA COUNTY, Calif.) - The Resource Conservation District of Ventura County (RCD) and FOOD Share (FS), in collaboration with the local agricultural agencies, associations, the Ventura County Farm Bureau and the Ag Futures Alliance, are evaluating the best practices of seven local agricultural firms that have been nominated for the 2011 Ventura County Excellence in Agricultural Stewardship and Sustainability Award.

For the second year in a row, the RCD's Ventura County Excellence in Stewardship Review Panel will look closely at the policies and practices of nominated growers, critiquing their strengths in land and resource management, economics, innovation, conservation excellence, overall land health, community outreach and industry leadership.

The seven nominated firms under consideration are: Agromin, Farm Share, Houwelings Tomatoes, McGrath Family Farms, Petersen Ranch, R.A. Atmore and Sons and Underwood Farms.

"Ventura County is one of the top ten most significant agricultural counties in the United States," said Marty Melvin, Executive Officer of the RCD. "We feel it's important to shine a light on our industry leaders and acknowledge those individuals and companies that contribute significantly to our local economic and agricultural health."

The RCD will announce the winner at their 2nd annual awards luncheon on Nov. 18 at the Crown Plaza Ventura Beach. In addition, a special award for Excellence in Leadership will also be presented.