[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 180 (Tuesday, November 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1423-E1424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MARK BORBA FOR 2019 AGRICULTURIST OF THE YEAR IN THE CENTRAL 
                                 VALLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2019

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Mark Borba on 
the occasion of

[[Page E1424]]

his award for the 2019 Agriculturist of the Year. It is transparent 
that Mark's 40 plus years of continuous passion for the agricultural 
community.
  With only 40 cows and 120 acres of land, A.J. Borba started the line 
of farmers near Hardwick, California. He later moved to Riverdale, 
California in the 1900's and started a dairy farm. A.J. with his two 
sons, began a row crop operation. An immigrant from Azores, Portugal, 
he did not realize the impact his family would make for the Central 
Valley.
  His two sons, Ross Sr. and Darril began what we know today, the Borba 
Brothers Farms in 1958. Ross Sr. and his wife Justina had two sons, 
Ross Jr., Mark, and a daughter, Dwayne. In 1976, the family passed the 
business down to Mark and Ross Jr.
  The family has been through droughts, different crops, and their 
share of hardships. Yet, they have survived and have been able to be 
proudly called fourth-generation farmers. Their share of crops includes 
almonds, tomatoes, melons, lettuce, wheat, garlic, and cotton.
  Mark believes in education and was recognized for it in 1996 for the 
U.C. Davis Award of Distinction for his contributions and 
accomplishments. He helped with the Ross Borba Sr. Scholarship 
Endowment for agricultural college students. Mark wants people to be 
educated on water and agricultural issues. He constantly talks to 
members of the community and to elected officials about water rights 
issues and practices in fanning. His passion to grow for farmers and 
for his family is clearly shown.
  In various capacities, Mark has been involved in the community. He 
served as Chairman of the Board at Community Medical Centers in Fresno. 
He was also on the board for the Maddy Institute, and a Chairman for 
the California Cotton Growers Association.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in 
the House of Representatives to congratulate Mr. Mark Borba on his 
recent award. His accomplishments to Fresno County made amazing impacts 
in the community. It is my honor to join his colleagues, family, and 
friends in honoring his award and achievements.

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