Joel Carter, a young grower from Summerland, British Columbia
Joel went to University of British Columbia, focusing on economics, and returned to the family farm, eventually buying his own land. He’s the son of Louisa and Neal Carter.
Brittany Komm, a young grower from East Wenatchee, Washington
Brittany is the senior viticulturist — also known as the “grape lady” — at Precept Wine Brands. She obtained her graduate degree at Washington State University.
Jose Garcia, a young grower from Wenatchee, Washington
Jose was born in Mexico and grew up next to the farm his family worked on in Wenatchee. He pursued agriculture at Wenatchee Valley College and Washington State University and is currently an assistant ranch manager in Quincy. Jose is the son of Anita and Juan Garcia.
Herbie Annala, a young grower from Hood River, Oregon
Herbie returned to the family farm with his wife, Dani Annala, after working as a metal fabricator in Portland, Oregon. He’s the son of Bev and Tim Annala.
Adrian Arts, a young grower from Summerland, British Columbia
Adrian began farming about five years ago, after obtaining degrees in water resource science and geology. He returned home to Summerland and is now leasing and managing several smaller orchards. He is the son of Shirley Hansen and Adrian Arts.
Matt Murphy, a young grower from Geneva, New York
Matt is a first-generation tree fruit grower and graduated from Cornell University with a degree in viticulture, enology and plant sciences. He’s a farm manager at Red Jacket Orchards and is the son of Tina and Marty Murphy.
Francisco Sarmiento Jr., a young grower from East Wenatchee, Washington
He’s a second-generation farmer and the son of Margarita and Francisco Sarmiento.
Beth Brown, a young grower from Waterport, New York
Beth grew up working with her grandfather, Harold Henry, on their family farm in Eden Valley, New York, and later graduated with a business degree from State University of New York at Oswego.
Kevin Shaw and Lance Davison, young growers from Vernon, British Columbia
Kevin Shaw, a first-generation farmer, grew up in Kenya and pursued an engineering degree. Lance Davison, a fourth-generation farmer, grew up in Vernon and focused on horticulture in college. Kevin married Lance’s sister, Laura. The family business includes parents, Tamra and Tom Davison, and grandparents, Dora and Bob Davison.
USApple’s Bair gives update on Farm Workforce Modernization Act — Video
Legislation passed in the the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.