Joe G. Fanucchi started farming in the Kern County area in 1915 and by the 1960s his sons, Charlie, Joe and Frank joined him. The three brothers began to expand the business and in 1977 they founded Tri-Fanucchi Farms, Inc. They diversified their crop base by adding potatoes, carrots, onions, almonds and both fresh and wine grapes.
In the mid-1990s the third generation of Fanucchi farmers began joining the farming operation. Catherine is one of four third-generation Fanucchi farmers. Continuing the family tradition of expansion by diversification, the third-generation introduced bell peppers, squash, eggplant, tomatoes and a small organic operation to the farm.
Catherine graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and earned a juris doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. She practiced law for several years before returning to the farm.
Catherine serves as a Director and Vice Chair on both the Audit Committee and the Governance Committee for Ag West Farm Credit and serves as a Director for the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District.
Catherine was elected to the board in 2007 and serves as the Chair of the Legislative Committee and as an At-Large Member of the Executive Committee for Western Growers.
