American Vegetable Grower has unveiled the five finalists for the Grower Achievement Award, sponsored by Syngenta in cooperation with United Fresh, and presented annually by the magazine at United's Washington Public Policy Conference.

The 2009 Grower Achievement Award finalists are:

• Alstede Farms LLC, Chester, N.J.
• Buurma Farms, Inc., Willard, Ohio
• Ed Hansen Farms, Inc., Stanley, N.Y.
• Eubanks Produce, Inc., Lucedale, Miss.
• Ocean Mist Farms, Castroville, Calif.

The award is given to a grower operation that serves as a genuine role model to the industry.  Nominations are evaluated based on the achievements of each farm in the following areas: consumer-oriented marketing, use of innovative technology, food safety and food quality, industry leadership and spirit of achievement.

The award will be presented at next month's Washington Public Policy Conference, September 9-11 in Washington, D.C. For more information on the WPPC, please click here or contact Angela Bezon at 202-303-3400 ext. 416.