Dan Benedetti Honored at Agri-Business BBQ

Leadership in Agriculture Award recipient Dan Benedetti and family at the 41st Annual Agri-Business BBQ. (View more photos / photo by Will Bucquoy)

More than 500 Chamber and community members turned out to honor the tremendous role agriculture plays in our economy and the quality of life in Sonoma County at the Chamber's 41st Annual Agri-Business BBQ on Thursday, August 22nd.

This year's Leadership in Agriculture Award was presented to Dan Benedetti for his contributions to the dairy industry and his leadership of one of Sonoma County's most recognizable and iconic brands, Clover Stornetta Farms.

Joined on the stage by his wife and several grandchildren, Dan spoke passionately about Sonoma County doing agriculture right – that we’re moving back to the future with pasture-based dairying, using less chemicals on our crops, and incorporating sustainable and organic practices. Emphatic that sustainability and quality is a smart business decision, he also encouraged our community’s commitment to purchasing food locally, and was roundly applauded for reminding us that we as consumers have the power to choose what quality of food we buy for ourselves and our children.

Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Pisenti & Brinker LLP; Wine Glass Sponsor, Rabobank; Honoree Tent Sponsor, Exchange Bank; Rental Sponsor, Party, Tents & Events; the venue host, Richard's Grove & Saralee's Vineyard in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley; the event committee and all of the participating businesses and organizations for making the Agri-Business BBQ a spectacular event.