KAGMAN Agricultural Farms and Producers Association Inc. or KAFPA on Tuesday nominated Jesus M. Castro and Arnold Route for the Producer and Conservation Planner awards.
The nominations have been submitted to the National Association of Conservation Districts in Washington, D.C.
“I am keeping my fingers crossed that our nominees will be selected at the national level because of their dedication and commitment to producing locally grown foods. Our nominees will be competing against other nominees from other states and territories,” said Glenn H. Manglona, KAFPA president.
He said the nominations will go through the regional and national award process, but Castro and Route are the local winners already.
According to Manglona, Jesus M. Castro embodies the commitment to conservation planning by pioneering new opportunities and leadership in the farming community.
“A person who deserves the Producer Award, Mr. Castro has been producing crops commercially for over 30 years in Saipan and committed to learning and applying conservation practices to my methods of production. He produced a variety of crops which are prepared and sold fresh or preserved. He also been a client of the Environmental Quality Incentive Program on soil erosion, mulching and high tunnels for many years. He has performed community outreach and education program through various mediums and participated in cooking demonstrations using locally grown produce. He also taught on the local applications of fertilizers,” Manglona said.
As for Arnold Route, the NMI nominee for the Conservation Planner Award, he “has been practicing various conservation methods and teaching to other farmers. He demonstrates a high standard of conservation practice planning and implementation to customers as well as sharing his expertise with others including helping other farmers plan their drip irrigation systems to maximize water retention,” Manglona said.
In addition, Route “has been an extension agent for 20 years and counting and utilizes no-till farming and drip irrigation systems to maintain soil health and to conserve water.”
Jesus M. Castro
Arnold Route
