What kinds of things are local farmers and ranchers doing to protect water quality? Below are profiles of individuals working to protect water quality.

2009

Recipients of the second biennial AWQA Stewardship Awards for exemplary environmental stewardship and community leadership were:

• Steve Pederson and Jeanne Byrne, High Ground Organics, Watsonville
• Ian Teresi and Tim Chiala, George Chiala Farms, Morgan Hill

Winner of the 2009 AWQA Confluence Award for an outstanding collaborative effort to problem solve collectively around agricultural water quality issues was:

• The Quail Creek Subwatershed Working Group growers and support staff, Monterey County

Read about the 2009 AWQA award winners here.

2007

2007 marked the first year that AWQA formally recognized outstanding environmental stewards and community leaders through the AWQA Conservation Awards. Award winners were selected in six crop categories:

• Vineyards: Bill Hammond, Jackson Family Wines, Soledad
• Rangeland: Dean Bettcher and Joe Gonzales, Calero Ranch, San Jose
• Nurseries: Ron Terry, El Modeno Gardens, Hollister
• Orchards: George Bonacich, Bonacich Orchards, Gilroy
• Berries: Dutra Farms, Watsonville
• Other Field Crops: John and Eda Muller, Daylight Farms, Half Moon Bay

Read about the AWQA 2007 Conseration Award Winners here

2006

• Wayne Shingai, Shingai Farms, San Juan Creek Watershed
• Jose Politron, Grower's Transplanting, Gabilan Watershed
• Jim Manassero & Chris Bunn, Blanco Drain Watershed
• Bill Holt, Uvas Creek and Sycamore Creek Vineyards, Uvas Watershed
• Al Bonturi, Walnut Orchards, Pacheco Watershed
• Phil Foster, Foster Farms, San Benito Watershed
• Paul and Leti Hain, Hain Ranch, Tres Pinos Watershed
• The Cover Crop Project, Coastal San Mateo County

2005

• Jeannie Lopez, Uesugi Farms, Llagas Watershed
• George Bonacich, Farm Manager, Pacheco Watershed
• Julie and Nancy Vigna, The Vigna Family Ranch, San Benito River Watershed
• Michael Brautovich, Pride of San Juan, San Juan Watershed
• Norm “ Willie” Simms, Donati Estate Vineyards, Tres Pinos Watershed
• Michael Vanni,  Soils Winery, Uvas Watershed

2002

• Israel Morales, an innovative vegetable grower in the Salinas Valley
• Thomas Am Rhein grows flowers, strawberries, and vegetables near the sensitive Elkhorn Slough.
• Joe Morris, a holistic rancher in San Juan Bautista.
• Paul Hain, an organic walnut grower near Hollister.