WSTFA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Pt 2

WSTFA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Pt 2

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
From the Ag Information Network, this is today’s Fruit Grower Report. The Washington State Tree Fruit Association’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Leo Garcia last month.

Originally from Mexico, the WSU Grad followed his heart to the tree fruit industry and soon discovered one area in which he could help farmworkers …

GARCIA … “So, I came up with the idea of creating an education program that would train people into supervisory positions. That was 28 years ag. And I’m retired now, but the program continues.”

But before he retired, Garcia says he was too busy to really appreciate it …

GARCIA … “I didn’t realize, I retired three years ago, since I’m not involved with it every day, every day, every day my phone doesn’t ring constantly, you know, and I have time to reflect, and I didn’t realize how consequential these programs are.”

Garcia says he realizes now how many generations the program has helped …

GARCIA … “Absolutely, it means a lot to me because of that. You know, because I can see that indeed it did what it was set up to do, but I didn’t realize it was going to do it so big and for so many people.”

Because, Garcia says back then …

GARCIA … “Alright, I just want to help the people here, that I can reach, you know, but it turned out to be a big thing.”

And the Tree Fruit education program Garcia helped develop at Wenatchee Valley College continues today.

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