APPLE GROWER OF THE YEAR

摘要

EVERY day is a long but often rewarding one for Jeff Leonardini. As manager of entomology at Washington Fruit and Produce Co., one of the state's largest apple, pear, and cherry growers, Leonardini is usually up before sunrise, and if he's lucky, he'll make it back to the office or home by early evening. In between, you can find him in one of Washington Fruit's many orchards in central Washington, scouting for pests and making recommendations on appropriate pest control or fertility strategies. Whatdrives Jeff Leonardini to spend so much time in the field? "It goes back to this company's long and successful history that is based on a commitment to quality, integrity, and hard work every day," he says. It's these qualities, along with his efforts to lead Washington Fruit, and the rest of the apple industry, toward a sustainable future, that make Jeff Leonardini the 2012 Apple Grower of the Year.