Robert Sakata, owner of Sakata Family Farms and a Western Growers member, now sits on the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), playing a significant role in finding innovative solutions to the state’s increasing water demands. Sakata was appointed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis and was officially sworn into the CWCB on Wednesday, March 10, for a 2021 – 2024 term.

In his role, Sakata will serve the citizens of Colorado by helping develop the Basin Implementation Plans, the Colorado Water Plan update, the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan work, and post-wildfire response, among other issues.

Sakata is one of the first full-time farmers to sit on the CWCB and will proudly represent the Colorado fruit and vegetable industry. With his new role, Sakata will no longer serve on the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Board of Directors.

“A lot of times, you have to be at the table to make sure you are not losing ground,” said Sakata in a recent WG&S Magazine article. “There are so few of us left in agriculture and when there is an opportunity, we need to make sure that our voice is heard.”

Western Growers congratulates Mr. Sakata on this highly consequential new role.