Brian L. Reichart, Red Gold President and CEO, received the 2009 AgriVision Award from Lt. Governor Becky Skillman during a recent ceremony at the Indiana State Fair. The award was created in 2007 by Skillman and Governor Mitch Daniels to honor a Hoosier who displays a deep commitment and vision for Indiana agriculture.

Through Brian’s leadership, Red Gold is developing and maintaining initiatives in sustainability and conservation, including a new Stewardship Award for Conservation among Red Gold growers. The company is also maintaining internal sustainability programs, which represent a multi-million dollar investment.

Brian’s guidance has made Red Gold America’s largest privately held producer of tomato products. Brian took a leadership role in assuring Midwest tomato processors and growers had meaningful participation in the current Farm Bill.

It is easy to see why Brian was the perfect recipient of this award. The award recognizes a Hoosier who has exemplary leadership skills, works to maximize our state’s agricultural potential, and secured its future as a world leader in agricultural production. Nominees come from all areas of agriculture, and is awarded annually to the a highly qualified Hoosier who has most reshaped and impacted Indiana agriculture through innovation, advances in technology or new business approaches.
 
During the presentation, Skillman pointed out that this year’s recipient had had been a particularly difficult decision. Of all the nominees, two stood out, she said. Brian shared the award with John Swisher, owner of JBS United a leading feed manufacturer.
 
The Red Gold family of brands are regional and national names including Red Gold, RedPack, Tuttorosso, Sacramento, Glorietta, and Il Migliore.  Exceptional quality and operational excellence are the foundations that ensure the company commitment, “To produce the freshest, best tasting tomato products in the world.”