Here Are the 2025 Grower Achievement Award Regional Winners

Each year, American Vegetable Grower’s Grower Achievement Award honors outstanding vegetable growers across the country, those whose leadership, innovation, and community impact push the industry forward. This year’s regional winners exemplify the spirit of progress, blending cutting-edge practices with a deep commitment to people and the planet. We’re proud to introduce our 2025 regional Grower Achievement Award winners.

Central Region: Renato Zardo, Great Lakes Growers – Ohio

Renato Zardo is a model of practical innovation. At Great Lakes Growers, a hydroponic greenhouse operation in northeast Ohio, he blends advanced technology with a strong team-first philosophy. He actively tests and adopts automation tools, sustainable growing methods, and efficiency improvements that serve not just his business, but also his employees, customers, and peers.

What sets Zardo apart is his belief that progress should lift everyone. He’s cultivated a workplace where people feel supported and valued, and he freely shares his experiences to help the broader industry grow. His forward-thinking mindset and collaborative leadership make him a standout in the Central region.

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East Region: Aries Haygood, A&M Farms – Georgia

Based in Lyons, GA, Aries Haygood has helped transform A&M Farms into a national model for sustainability and quality. Under his guidance, the farm has expanded its Vidalia onion production, improved soil health and pest management practices, and embraced new technologies — all while delivering consistent excellence to retail and foodservice buyers.

Beyond the farm gate, Haygood is a mentor, educator, and advocate for Georgia growers. His leadership in the Vidalia onion industry, research collaborations, and efforts to guide young farmers speak to his long-term vision. He’s not just growing crops. He’s growing the future of agriculture in the East.

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West Region: Larry Jacobs, Jacobs Farm / del Cabo – California

Larry Jacobs has long been a champion of organic and regenerative farming. At Jacobs Farm / del Cabo, he’s built soil health through composting, cover cropping, and reduced tillage, creating a model for sustainability across thousands of acres.

His commitment to conservation goes hand in hand with innovation. Larry helped develop the Farm-ng Amiga, an electric robot now used on his farm for compost spreading and pest control. But his greatest impact may be in how he shares knowledge — welcoming researchers, mentoring others, and proving that long-term soil stewardship and smart technology can thrive together.

Who do you think will be named the 2025 overall Grower Achievement Award winner? Stay tuned for our announcement.