Albert is a third generation Californian and farmer. His grandparents moved to the Coachella Valley prior to WWII and started a date, citrus, and vegetable farming and packing operation. A lifelong native of the Coachella Valley, Albert grew up in the family business following in his father’s footsteps and working in the fields, packing houses, and office through his school years. He graduated from Indio High School and completed his undergraduate and graduate education at Stanford University (B.A. Economics, M.A. Food Research Institute). After college, Albert returned to the Coachella Valley and continues to work in the family farming business alongside his parents, sister, and brother in law. The family enterprises include operations in CA, AZ, and NM and comprise dates, pecans, alfalfa, and cattle.
Albert currently is President of Hadley Date Gardens, Inc., and Chairman of the California Date Administrative Committee and the California Date Commission. In 2004, Albert was honored as Agriculturalist of the Year by the California Women for Agriculture, Coachella Valley Chapter. Albert also serves as a Trustee on the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, Trustee for Desert Christian Academy and serves as a Director on the Coachella Valley Irrigated Lands Coalition. Albert lives in Bermuda Dunes, CA with his wife, Caroline, they are blessed with four incredible children.
Albert was elected to the board in 2015, and is currently serving as the Past Chair.
Western Growers is in my corner, working for me and fighting the good fight for our industry. We remain loyal members because they have consistently shown us value.
Robby Barkley
Barkley Ag Enterprises, Inc., Yuma, AZ
