The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) honored long time Exeter-based fresh fruit grower Verne Crookshanks, principal of Venida Packing, with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on Friday at the Vintage Press in Visalia.

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The Lifetime Achievement Award is given by CFFA’s Mentors’ Committee, which is comprised of the Association’s five most recent board of directors chairmen, who accept nominations from all past chairmen.

The award recognizes individuals who are industry-oriented, have provided long-term, consistent service to the California Fresh Fruit Association by serving on the board of directors or various committees for an extended period of time throughout their career and a person who, through their time and effort, has influenced CFFA and the industry in a positive way.

“We could not be more pleased that the Mentors’ Committee selected Verne Crookshanks for this recognition and award. Verne’s long term commitment and support has been paramount to the successes of the fresh fruit industry and our Association,” said CFFA President Barry Bedwell, who spoke at the luncheon recognizing Crookshanks.

As an active member with the California Fresh Fruit Association, Crookshanks has served on its board of directors for forty years and as its chairman in 1986 and 1987.

Previous recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award have been Sarkis Sarabian of Sarabian Farms, Herbert Kaprielian of CRJ Farming Co. and George Caratan of Anton Caratan & Son and Blanc Vineyards.