Second-generation strawberry grower receives impact award

Second-generation strawberry grower Mayra Paniagua has received the Strawberry Industry Impact Award from the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Paniagua’s parents migrated from Mexico, eventually owning their own farm after starting out as pickers. After graduating from college, Paniagua started Golden State Farms, a family business producing strawberries for nationwide distribution.

Read more on the strawberry commission’s website.

Paniagua was honored during the Annual Strawberry Industry Recognition Dinner on April 19.

“Thank you to the California Strawberry Commission and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber for helping support dreams like mine,” Paniagua said in a news release. “As a strawberry farmer, I am blessed to work alongside my family, our crew and other farmworkers every day. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support from my community.”

More than 650 strawberry farmers, industry members and local business representatives attended the dinner, which serves as a fundraiser for local youth.

“This event is a reminder of the importance of the strawberry industry locally in Santa Maria and the state of California,” Jeff Cardinale, director of communications at the California Strawberry Commission, said in the release. “Accounting for summer and fall plantings, Santa Maria is the largest-producing strawberry region in the country. And with peak season approaching, the entire country will be looking to Santa Maria to lead the way with beautiful, delicious strawberries for consumers to enjoy.”

California Giant Berry Farms received the Strawberry Industry Partner of the Year award.