Western Growers holds annual meeting to honor Sonny Rodriguez

At the Western Growers’ annual meeting in November, Sonny Rodriguez, president and CEO of The Growers Company, will receive the 2024 Award of Honor.

Rodriguez joined The Growers Company in 1975, a third-generation family business based in Yuma, Arizona, with additional offices in California. The company, established in 1950, specializes in custom produce harvesting, including lettuce, cauliflower, and broccoli.

“Sonny’s leadership ensures that crops are expertly tended and harvested by skilled employees, always with integrity and ethical conduct,” said Dave Puglia, president and CEO for Western Growers. “Few in our industry have done as much to educate leaders about the contributions and challenges of America’s fresh produce industry.”

Rodriguez has been an advocate for agricultural labor reform and has actively participated in numerous boards and organizations, including the Western Growers Board of Directors since 1998, the Agricultural Employment Relations Board, and the Yuma Vegetable Shippers Association. Additionally, Rodriguez co-founded Yuma Catholic High School and contributed to various charitable and ministry boards.

“I am truly humbled to be recognized by my peers and to stand among the great men and women honored before me,” said Rodriguez.

The Award of Honor Dinner Gala will celebrate his achievements during the Western Growers annual meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, Nov. 3-6, 2024.