Tonya Antle has been named the Ag Woman of the Year by Monterey County's Ag Against Hunger.

Throughout her career, Antle has focused on organics, first in table grapes at Pavich Farms and then as vice president of organic at Earthbound Farm, with the goal of bringing organic food to the mainstream. In January, she cofounded the Organic Produce Network, a digital news source devoted to the organic fresh produce business.

My career and lifes work for the organic produce community has never been about me, but rather about delivering on the promise for our farmers, customers and consumers. To be recognized for my efforts makes me proud that I played a small role in making the organic choice viable, Antle said in a news release.

The award, which seeks to honor women in the Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benitio counties, was presented April 28 at a luncheon at Paradaiso Vineyards in Salinas, Calif.

Antle, along with her husband Rick, was the 2016 recipient of the United Fresh Produce Associations Lifetime Achievement Award. She was named a Packer 25 honoree in 2016.

She has worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in addition to serving on many boards, including the Produce Marketing Association, Organic Trade Association, and Produce for Better Health Foundation.

An active community member and volunteer, Antle currently serves on the Board of Directors of the California State University-Monterey Bay Foundation and mentors young people through the Pack Family/PMA Career Pathways program, according to the release.

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Organic pioneer named Ag Woman of the Year | The Packer - The Packer