2022 Distinguished California Cultivator Award Recipient is Jon Marthedal
Ag Council is pleased to celebrate Jon Marthedal as the 2022 California Cultivator Award recipient. The award presentation will take place during the association’s 103rd Annual Meeting in Napa on March 15, 2022.
Jon and his sons Eric and Evan operate Marthedal Farms in Fresno producing raisins, table grapes, wine grapes, blueberries, and almonds. In addition, Jon is an owner and officer of Marthedal Enterprises, Inc., a provider of farm management and custom agriculture services.
President and CEO Harry Overly of Sun-Maid Growers of California said, “I have worked with Jon in several capacities and his continued generosity of time, experience, open mindedness, and kindness have been, without question, a tremendous influence and asset to Sun-Maid and to the whole of California agriculture.”
Among his accomplishments, Jon served on Ag Council’s board of directors for 15 years and was chair from 2011-2013. He served on Sun-Maid’s board from 1988-2021 and was chair from 1999-2013.
Ag Council President Emily Rooney said, “Jon’s devotion to the agricultural community and his dedication to serving in multiple leadership roles to solve issues facing the industry, truly embodies the meaning of the Cultivator Award. Ag Council is pleased to honor him with this special award.”
Jon is currently first vice chair on CoBank’s board of directors representing the western region and is chair of Farm Credit Council. In addition, Jon serves as vice chair of the Raisin Administrative Committee. Jon is also a founding member of the California Blueberry Commission and is a director.
As background, the California Cultivator Award recognizes and honors a person who clearly has made significant contributions to agriculture or who has demonstrated leadership and personal commitment beyond the normal expectations of a person serving the farmer-owned business sector.
Congratulations to Jon Marthedal for being chosen to receive this distinctive award.