FRESNO, CA- Fresh fruit grower Verne Crookshanks, Principal of Venida Packing, Inc., has been honored by The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award. Recognized for both his time and accomplishments in the produce industry, Verne was honored Friday, June 3, 2016, at the Vintage Press in Visalia, California.

“We could not be more pleased that the Mentors’ Committee selected Verne Crookshanks for this recognition and award. Verne’s long-term commitment and support has been paramount to the successes of the fresh fruit industry and our Association,” said Barry Bedwell, President of CFFA, who spoke at the luncheon recognizing Verne.

As an active member with the CFFA, Verne has served on the Association’s Board of Directors for 40 years. He has also served as its Chairman in 1986-87.

The CFFA’s Mentors’ Committee, which names the recipient, is comprised of the Association’s five most recent Board of Directors chairmen, and accepts nominations from all past chairmen, according to a press release. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who is industry-oriented, has provided long-term, consistent service to the CFFA by serving on the Board of Directors or various committees for an extended period of time throughout their career, and is a person who has influenced CFFA and the industry in a positive way through their time and effort.

Previous Lifetime Achievement Award honorees include Sarkis Sarabian of Sarabian Farms, Herbert Kaprielian of CRJ Farming Co. LP, and George Caratan of Anton Caratan & Son and Blanc Vineyards.

Congratulations, Verne, on this incredible honor.

CFFA