[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 175 (Tuesday, October 30, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1473-E1474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING STEPHEN PATRICIO FOR HIS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO 
                              AGRICULTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 30, 2018

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievements of 
Stephen Patricio as the recipient of the 2018 Western Growers Award of 
Honor. Throughout his 45-year career, Mr. Patricio has made exceptional 
contributions to agriculture, including significant advancements in 
food safety and public health.
  Shortly after earning his degree in accounting from Santa Clara 
University in 1974, Mr. Patricio began his career in agribusiness. 
Working as the chief financial advisor and general manager of the melon 
operation at Jess Telles' large-scale farm, he gained first-hand 
experience and developed a fundamental understanding of the agriculture 
business that would drive his life's work.
  In 1993, Mr. Patricio and Mr. Telles launched Westside Produce in the 
Central

[[Page E1474]]

San Joaquin Valley of California, which skillfully connected farmers to 
the marketplace. Having experienced many challenges, such as the melon 
food safety crisis and E. coli outbreak, he identified a need for 
scientifically-based information about food safety for both workers and 
consumers.
  Mr. Patricio raised millions of dollars to fund research aimed at 
preventing food-home illnesses and worked with University of 
California, Davis to assess the food safety risks associated with 
melons. This led to the first mandatory food safety compliance program 
for the cantaloupe industry in the state. He also played a significant 
role in the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreements, which have become the 
model for produce safety in California and Arizona.
  In addition to Mr. Patricio's dedication to food safety, he has also 
become deeply passionate about water rights. He has led the charge in 
advocating for a sustainable water supply for California farmers and 
established the first orientation program for agribusinesses that 
focused solely on water rights.
  Throughout his long and distinguished career, Stephen Patricio has 
received continuous support from his wife Nikki, his children, Blake, 
Garrett, and Ashley, and more recently from his grandchildren, Yale, 
Taylor, Peyton, Brooklyn, Carter, Paxton, Kennedy, and Bryce. They will 
be by his side at the Award of Honor Dinner Gala in celebration of this 
momentous achievement.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognition of 
Stephen Patricio for his remarkable contributions to California 
agriculture. His sustained efforts have left a lasting impact on the 
health of the nation and continue to shape public policy in California 
and the Congressional District I have the honor of representing.

                          ____________________