The California Fresh Fruit Association is honoring Delano farmer Louis Pandol with the prestigious Mentors’ Award.
Pandol will receive the award during the association’s 88th annual meeting from March 10-12 at The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay.
The big picture: Pandol owns Pandol Bros., LLC, a leading worldwide marketer of fresh table grapes in Delano.
- He serves as the Corporate Secretary and Chairman of the Board. For Pandol Bros.
- In addition to his farming operation, Pandol has served on the Greater Delano Area Youth Foundation, Delano Elks Lodge and American Slavonic Social Club. Pandol also served in leadership roles on the boards and committees of Farm Credit West, Associated Fruit Producers of California, CDFA Shipping Point Advisory, CDFA Standardization Committee, California Table Grape Commission and the California Fresh Fruit Association.
- Along with honoring Pandol, the association will hold industry workshops at its annual meeting.
- First up on March 11 will be a panel discussion on agricultural technology moderated by Dennis Donahue with Western Growers for Innovation and Technology. Panelists include Harold McClarty of HMC Farms, Megan Nunes of Bountiful and Rob Trice of Better Food Ventures and The Mixing Bowl.
- Abby Taylor-Silva of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation will give a presentation on management versus leadership on March 12.
- Ron Barsamian, of Barsamian and Moody, will also provide an update on the implementation of California’s card check law.
What they’re saying: “The Association looks forward to welcoming CFFA members to the 88th Annual Meeting in Half Moon Bay and is thrilled to be honoring Louis Pandol for his years of service to the fresh fruit industry as well as to CFFA,” CFFA President Daniel Hartwig said. “Additionally, we are excited to have industry experts headline our Industry Workshops. They will provide a dynamic discussion for our membership.”
