WESTMINSTER — The 2023-24 Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) President Roger Mix was recognized as CFVGA’s 2023 Robert Sakata Member of the Year, during the CFVGA 10th Annual Conference, Feb. 28 in Westminster.

Mix and his wife, Rosalie, operate Mix Farms in Center, growing potatoes and barley. Roger Mix was first appointed to the CFVGA Board in 2015 and later elected by the membership, ultimately serving as a board member for three terms. In February 2023, Mix was elected by the CFVGA Board to serve as its president for 12 months, ending after the Feb. 27-28 conference, due to his being term-limited.

Established in 2017, the first award was presented to then CFVGA President Robert Sakata and is named after him for his excellence in Colorado produce production and his tireless work to start CFVGA.

“I am honored to be named winner of the Sakata award. It is amazing to see how far CFVGA has come since it was founded in 2014,” said Roger Mix. “We currently serve our members through political advocacy, by exploring automated and other options to the ag labor challenges we face, and by putting potential buyers in front of grower members. In addition, CFVGA voting members get free membership in Western Growers and have representation in Washington, D.C. on the issues impacting our operations. I also mention the many avenues CFVGA uses to promote Colorado produce to everyone from consumers to commercial buyers. I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished the last decade as a unified organization.”

Mix was born and raised in the San Luis Valley and grew up on his family farm. He has represented CFVGA and helped strengthen its partnership with Western Growers. He also is a valued member of the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee and has served as chair of its Industry and Community Committee.

On a national level, Mix has served in multiple leadership roles on the National Potato Council including serving as its president. He is active in many capacities at the regional and local levels and has represented the San Luis Valley on numerous water and labor issues.

According to one of the people nominating him, Mix “has been instrumental in representing the San Luis Valley and has helped unify and direct the shared interests of the potato industry and other produce sectors. He is a clear and conscientious voice for agriculture. His sense of friendliness, humor, and thoughtfulness has made the organization more effective and welcoming for all those around him.”

The CFVGA is comprised of some 280 members, including growers of all sizes and types of production throughout the state, as well as representatives of allied industries. The Colorado fruit and vegetable growing sector contributes nearly $485 million to Colorado at the farm gate and is multiplied as it goes through the distribution chain. Over 90,000 Colorado acres are in fruit and vegetable production. Learn more at coloradoproduce.org.