[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF TONY AND FERMIN CAMPOS; 2009 NISEI FARMERS LEAGUE 
                   AGRICULTURALISTS OF THE YEAR AWARD

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 10, 2009

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to two 
brothers whose lives and pursuits have exemplified the spirit of raw 
determination, fortitude, entrepreneurship and virtues of citizenship 
demonstrated by so many of those immigrating to this great country of 
ours. On Thursday, March 12th 2009, Campos Brothers Farms will receive 
the Nisei Farmers League's 2009 Agriculturalist of the Year Award, an 
award given to an outstanding member of the Nisei Farmers League who 
has shown exceptional leadership skills, devotion, and who truly makes 
a valuable contribution to agriculture. Many things contribute to 
California's bountiful crops and the economic well-being of the state, 
but one significant underlying factor in California's agricultural 
success has been the presence of men such as Fermin and Tony Campos.
  Fermin and Antonio Campos were born in Olondriz, Spain in the 
Province of Navarra, where they were two of nine children. Tony came to 
the United States in 1952 at the age of 17 as a sheepherder with Fermin 
arriving three years later. After five years of hard work they were 
proud to become U.S. Citizens beginning their American Dream. In 1957, 
the brothers formed their partnership known as Campos Brothers Farms. 
Over the years they have been active in many capacities and industries. 
Early they worked with sheep, later raising crops such as alfalfa, 
cotton, black-eye beans, raisins and grapes before beginning their 
endeavors with almonds. The brothers were also proud to be associated 
with the start of the Caruthers Raisin Packing Company where Tony 
served as President for five years. Both brothers were actively 
involved in the raisin industry serving on the Raisin Administrative 
Committee as well as the Raisin Bargaining Association.
  In 1980, the Campos Brothers built their first almond huller. Along 
with their wives and children they watched the company blossom under 
their mutual hard labor becoming one of the most respected producers, 
processors, and sellers of quality almonds in the world today. Tony and 
Fermin have been active on the California Almond Board and its various 
committees. Both Tony and Fermin have been active supporters of their 
local FFA organization, Fresno State Agricultural Program and the 
California Agricultural Leadership Program. They are proud members of 
the Nisei Farmers League continually advocating for California 
Agricultural interests.
  We recently lost Fermin. His passing has left a large hole in not 
only the family and the family business, but in agriculture in general. 
Agriculture indeed misses Fermin's contributions and passion. Tony 
continues to carry on the family tradition of pride, passion, 
excellence and advocacy. So I believe it very fitting today to rise 
before you my colleagues, to honor Fermin and Tony Campos, Nisei 
Farmers League's 2009 ``Agriculturalists of the Year.''

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