The co-owner of a peach and wine grape operation in Palisade has been elected president of a statewide growers association board of directors.

Bruce Talbott succeeds Robert Sakata as Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) board president.

“We have a great foundation as an organization that is relatively young,” Talbott said. “I hope we can build on this foundation and successfully represent the interests and concerns of the Colorado produce industry.”

The CFVGA is comprised of more than 250 members, including growers of all sizes and types of production throughout the state as well as representatives of allied industries. 

The fruit and vegetable growing sector contributes nearly $485 million to Colorado at the farm gate, a number that’s multiplied as it goes through the distribution chain. More than 90,000 acres are in fruit and vegetable production in the state.

Talbott, co-owner and operator of Talbott’s Mountain Gold, has been a member of the CFVGA board since the first slate of members was selected in 2015 and served a term as secretary. 

“Bruce is highly respected throughout the CFVGA membership and has provided crucial direction to CFVGA since its inception,” said Adrian Card, a founding board member of the organization. “We are appreciative of his willingness to serve and to continue to grow this organization.”

Talbott’s Mountain Gold farms about 550 acres of owned and leased land. The operation packs its own peaches as well fruit for other producers in the area. Talbott’s Mountain Gold also processes fresh apple cider sold under its own label and other private labels. Bulk juice is supplied for repackaging or fermenting and used in its hard cider business.

Wine grapes not processed by Talbott’s are sold to more than 25 wineries.

Talbott begins his service as president of the CFVGA board at what he said is a time when Colorado agricultural producers are under an unprecedented level of political siege.

“The urban/suburban consumer and voters have very little understanding of the extent of the agricultural infrastructure and what it takes to successfully and sustainably produce fruit and vegetables in Colorado, whether conventional or organic.” he said. “Our ability to survive and thrive is linked to our success in communicating and winning the public’s understanding and support for the tools we need to continue operating in Colorado and to minimize unnecessary rules, regulations and requirements.”

The CFVGA provides an opportunity for the industry to gather for educational, commercial and fraternal opportunities, he said.