Innovation among the Lemon Orchards

Santa Paula, California - “The irony of the CEO of a 116 year old company with deep roots in the agricultural community receiving the CSUCI Business and Technology Partnership’s Business and Community Leader of the Year Award wasn’t lost on the nominating committee” says Keith Gunther of Ecotec, who nominated Edwards. “Limoneira’s new solar orchard has demonstrated that innovation can grow among the Lemon trees. When the committee began soliciting nominations, I felt that Harold and the work that Limoneira was doing deserved this recognition” says Gunther.

CSU Channel Islands Foundation established the Business and Technology Partnership in 2002 to foster the collaboration of technology and related service-based companies with the University to promote excellence among its students, faculty and staff for the benefit of the region’s economy.

“This is truly an honor” says Edwards. “Limoneira has a long history of bringing innovation to solve present day problems. Our board and management are continually working to enhance our products and contribute to the communities in which we operate. Although we had to jump some hurdles to pioneer one of the first installations of this kind in the United States, we are very satisfied that our new solar orchard will provide sustainable profits for our company and will help satisfy the State of California’s Solar Initiative.”