[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 177 (Friday, November 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE SERVICE OF JON MARTHEDAL

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2011

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Jon 
Marthedal, a third generation farmer from Fresno, California. Jon has 
been named Agriculturalist of the Year by the Greater Fresno Area 
Chamber of Commerce. Jon has been instrumental in enhancing the San 
Joaquin Valley by advocating for business opportunities and encouraging 
innovation in our community. A distinguished farmer and leader, Jon is 
certainly deserving of recognition by the Chamber.
  Marthedal Farms has been a family operation since its inception in 
1903. Upon immigrating to the United States from Denmark, Harold 
Marthedal, Sr. purchased 20 acres of property. Years later, his son 
Harold Jr. took over and worked to expand the size of the farm. Today, 
Marthedal Farms is operated by Jon and his son Eric. They manage about 
700 acres of raisin grapes, table grapes, and blueberries.
  Jon has been an important part of the agricultural community for many 
years. Upon earning his degree in Agricultural Business from California 
State University, Fresno, he began his career at Sun-Maid Growers in 
1978. In ten years, he became Director, and then served as Vice 
Chairman before becoming Chairman in 1999. Through his progressive and 
innovative work, Jon has become a respected voice in matters pertaining 
to California agriculture.
  Jon's passion and commitment to agriculture has been demonstrated by 
his enthusiastic membership and leadership within a number of 
agriculture-based organizations. He serves as Secretary of the Raisin 
Administrative Committee, Vice Chairman of the Agricultural Council of 
California, Chairman of the California Blueberry Commission, and is a 
member of the Board Restructuring Committee for CoBank--a lender to 
cooperatives. For over 100 years, Marthedal Farms has been an integral 
part of maintaining the San Joaquin Valley's status as the breadbasket 
of the world.
  Jon and his wife Sandy have three children. Whether he is spending 
time with his family and friends, or serving our community, Jon has 
always been known to be a man of principle and integrity.
  I applaud Jon for his many years of work and congratulate him on his 
well-deserved recognition from the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of 
Commerce.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in applauding and 
expressing appreciation for Jon's work.

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