Boninos, MacKenzie honored for those who go “above and beyond”
By Staff Reports
The Santa Clara County Farm Bureau and scores of attendees honored the recipients of two annual awards and presented them at its Farm Bureau Family BBQ Sept. 17, at Kirigin Cellars in Gilroy.
The 2023 “George Chiala Farmer of the Year” award was given to Louie and Judy Bonino.
The award is given annually to a grower or farming organization who has gone above and beyond to contribute to agriculture in Santa Clara County. The Bonino’s were recognized for their long-term dedication to agriculture and the agricultural community.
The family has been farming in Santa Clara County for more than 100 years, and the fifth generation of the family currently works for the farming operation.
The 2023 Linda L. Lester Friend of Agriculture award was presented to Andrea Mackenzie, general manager, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. This award is given annually to an individual or organization who is not directly involved in production agriculture, but has done much for the local agricultural industry.
MacKenzie has worked for multiple public land conservation agencies to preserve open space, farmland, and biodiversity around the San Francisco Bay Region. She has focused her work on regional conservation policy, urban and regional planning, and conservation finance.
The event featured a barbecue lunch, live music by the Alison Sharino Band, games for the entire family, and much more.
For more information about the Santa Clara County Farm Bureau email [email protected].
