Bruce Talbott, co-owner/operator of Talbott’s Mountain Gold, has been elected president of the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) Board of Directors. He succeeds long-time president Robert Sakata of Sakata Farms.
“I am honored by my fellow board members to be elected to this position,” said Talbott in the CFVGA press release. “We have a great foundation as an organization that is relatively young. I hope we can build on this foundation, and successfully represent the interests and concerns of the Colorado produce industry. I don’t believe there has been a time in Colorado history when agricultural producers have been under the level of political siege currently experienced. The urban/suburban consumer and voters have very little understanding of the extent of the agricultural infrastructure and what it takes to successfully and sustainably produce fruit and vegetables in Colorado, whether conventional or organic. Our ability to survive and thrive is linked to our success in communicating and winning the public’s understanding and support for the tools we need to continue operating in Colorado and to minimize unnecessary rules, regulations and requirements.”
Talbott has been a member of the CFVGA board since the first slate of board members was seated in February 2015 and served a term as secretary. His farm, which is located in Palisade, Colorado, grows various products including apples, pears, wine grapes and its world-renowned Palisade Peaches.
Western Growers congratulates Mr. Talbott on his well-deserved new position.
In 2015, Western Growers and the CFVGA formed a strategic collaboration that allows the two associations to work together on federal policy issues, food safety and other issues of mutual interest. The memorandum of understanding between the two organizations also gives Colorado growers access to select WG association services but does not include Colorado state advocacy or other state activities.