Joe Del Bosque Joins FFAR’s Board of Directors

Washington

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is excited to announce that Joe Del Bosque, owner of Del Bosque Farms in California’s San Joaquin Valley, is joining the FFAR Board of Directors.

Del Bosque is a lifelong agriculturalist and descendant of Mexican immigrants who have worked in the fields of California for over a century. He grew up growing and picking melons on the fields his father worked on. After college and a decade working for his father’s employer, Del Bosque established his own melon farm in 1985. Since then, he has been a pioneer in organic melon farming, using innovative methods to produce melons for national markets from July through October. Today, his operations also include almonds, cherries, and tomatoes. His wife, Maria, two of his daughters and one son-in-law work on the farm with him.

Mark E. Keenum
I am thrilled to welcome Joe Del Bosque to the Board,” said FFAR Board Chairman Dr. Mark Keenum. “His decades of specialty crop farming experience in the West combined with his prolific involvement in the agriculture community are welcome additions to the expertise currently on our Board. Mark E. Keenum, Ph.D.
Chair, FFAR Board of Directors
President
Mississippi State University

Del Bosque is a vocal advocate for farmers impacted by water policies. In 2010, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Del Bosque to serve on the California Water Commission, a position requiring Senate confirmation, and he was reappointed to the Commission in 2015. He previously served on the Central Valley Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, as director of the Pacheco Water District and as director of the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Authority. Del Bosque was especially vocal in 2009 about the water delivery reductions allocated by the federal government and the impact on farmers.

Joe Del Bosque
I am excited to be accepted to the FFAR Board. I hope to bring my knowledge and experience of farming specialty crops in California to help our nation’s farmers meet the challenges of growing a reliable food supply for our nation,” said Del Bosque. The future of agriculture is vital to the health and well-being of all Americans, and we must help the industry be sustainable and viable in a changing world. Joe Del Bosque
Owner
Del Bosque Farms

Additionally, Del Bosque is actively engaged with numerous agriculture organizations. He serves on the California State University Fresno’s Agricultural Foundation Board and as Chair Emeritus of AgSafe, a nonprofit helping farmers develop safe practices for workers. He is also a member of the California Latino Water Coalition, Western Growers Association, California Melon Research Board and California Farm Bureau.

Joe Del Bosque thoroughly understands farmers’ unique needs and concerns. For nearly 40 years, Joe has delivered safe, nutritious produce nationwide and has run a very successful farm,” said FFAR Executive Director Dr. Saharah Moon Chapotin. “His perspectives as both a farmer and businessman, in addition to his advocacy on behalf of farmers, will enable FFAR to continue providing actionable solutions that address farmers’ challenges. Saharah Moon Chapotin, Ph.D.
Executive Director

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Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.

Connect: @FoundationFAR

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