[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 96 (Wednesday, July 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE MR. ELIO RODONI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2001

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Elio Rodoni, who 
has been named Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau's 2001 Farmer of the Year.
  Mr. Rodoni, is the son of Andreina and the late Dante Rodoni, and the 
younger brother of Mario Rodoni. Mr. Rodoni's sister Jeanne passed away 
two years ago. Mr. Elio Rodoni celebrates this great honor with his 
many friends, colleagues, and family. Mr. Rodoni and his wife Joy have 
three children, Catherine, Stephen, and Robert. Both of Mr. Rodoni's 
sons farm in the Watsonville and Moss Landing areas.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to honor Mr. Rodoni, who has been a 
member of the Farm Bureau for over 35 years. Mr. Rodoni grew up on a 
Brussel sprout farm on the coast just north of Santa Cruz, in the 15th 
Congressional District. He always helped on the farm, and knew early on 
that he wanted to be a farmer. The skills that Mr. Rodoni developed as 
a child, combined with the knowledge he gained from his involvement 
with Future Farmers of America while he was a student at Santa Cruz 
High School, led the way to Mr. Rodoni's successful career as a farmer. 
Mr. Rodoni, who began working fulltime as a farmer immediately after 
graduating from high school, purchased an interest in a Brussel sprout 
farm in 1960. He later ran this farm with the help of his partners, 
brother Mario and his late sister's husband Mac Morelli.
  Mr. Rodoni has served as a dedicated and innovative member of the 
Santa Cruz County Community, and the entire farming community. As a 
member of the Future Farmers of America, he helped with displays at 
county fairs, served as a delegate to the California State Convention, 
and was chapter president during his senior year at Santa Cruz High 
School. For most of his life, Mr. Rodoni has dedicated his time and 
energy to his farms. He was one of the first farmers to utilize 
mechanical harvesting, and has always understood the importance of 
diversity in his crops. He is a hardworking farmer, and knowledgeable 
businessman.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to pay tribute to the Mr. Elio Rodoni for 
his contributions to the farming community and the 15th Congressional 
District. I commend and congratulate him on this important occasion.

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