OCEAN MIST FARMS GROWER/OWNER RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

CASTROVILLE, Calif. – Feb. 14, 2014 – Albert Pieri, a second generation family owner at Ocean Mist Farms, recently received the UnitedAg Lifetime Achievement Award. Pieri worked at Ocean Mist Farms starting in the 1940s, for nearly 50 years.

Albert Pieri_Jan 30 2014 at United Ag Ceremony

From the earliest days at California Artichoke and Vegetable Growers to the formation of Ocean Mist Farms, the largest artichoke operation in the United States, the Pieri family has devoted nine decades to agriculture in California with Albert Pieri playing a large part in the family’s leadership efforts.

“Throughout his many years in the agriculture industry, (Big Al) has been a truck loader, bookkeeper, sales manager, real estate negotiator, chairman of several different agricultural boards—including our own UnitedAg Board of Directors—and much more, said Bobbie Taylor, senior vice president, UnitedAg. “And through it all he has shown his commitment to quality in his products, quality in his service and quality in our industry’s progressive growth. Always touching the lives around him, his hard working values and keen wit have cultivated strong — long term relationships throughout the agricultural industry.”

Intro to Awarding with Pat, Al, Bobbie, & Richard - 3

UnitedAg was founded in 1980 with a mission to unite agribusiness and is a leading voice for the industry in Arizona and California by providing economic solutions and benefits to members throughout the agricultural industry. UnitedAg is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with six regional offices throughout the state.

UnitedAg’s Legacy program was started in 2011 with the retiring of its founder William Goodrich. In December 2012 one of its founding members and longtime California produce leader Don Regan suddenly passed away and he was recognized posthumous with a special program and award – these two events created the Lifetime Achievement Award that is awarded annually.

Jeff Percy_Albert Pieri_Joe Pezzini_Art Barrientos of Ocean Mist Farms  Jan 30 2014

Al Seated with Bobbie giving acolades 2

For more information about UnitedAg visit (www.unitedag.org, for more information about Ocean Mist Farms visit www.oceanmist.com.)