[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 177 (Wednesday, November 16, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1154-E1155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CELEBRATING MR. DENNIS CAPRARA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2022

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
Dennis Caprara, who passed away on April 12, 2021. The Salad Bowl of 
the World lost a key ingredient with the passing of Mr. Caprara, a 
revered industry leader and farmer in the Salinas Valley. In his 74 
years, Mr. Caprara contributed so much to our leading industry of 
agriculture and our fundamental identity in the Salinas Valley.
  A true local boy, Dennis grew up in Gonzales, California, where he 
grew fond of farming and grew to appreciate the hard work and sound 
judgment necessary to succeed in agriculture. Founding RC Farms and RC

[[Page E1155]]

Packing, Mr. Caprara and his family became the definition of what it 
means to be a successful family farm.
  But Dennis Caprara was not just a farmer, he was a leader. He served 
as Chairman of the Grower-Shipper Association, director of the Salinas 
Valley River Coalition, and as a distinguished fellow at a local 
college. Over the years, he received many honors and awards, such as: 
CSUMB Distinguished Fellow-Ag Businessman of the Year, Salinas Area 
Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Leadership Award, and Future Farmers of 
America Honorary Chapter Farmer.
  Dennis also gave back to the community that gave him so much. He was 
a member of the Swiss Rifle Club and always attended the local 
livestock auctions where he and his wife, Janice, were active bidders, 
supporting the young leaders of 4H and Future Farmers of America.
  Mr. Caprara was a friend and a mentor to many, including myself. He 
offered so much to those who knew him, who worked with him, who 
listened to him, and who loved him.
  Madam Speaker, today we mourn the loss of Dennis Caprara. But because 
of Dennis, every day we realize that the Salad Bowl of life tastes so 
good, not just because of its products, but also because of its people.

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