Tony Ferrario got his start in sweetpotatoes like a lot of folks born and raised in Atwater, California—he married into the business. “I’m the son-in-law that came on to help out with the season,” he says, “and never left!” Back then, he was working as a substitute teacher. “But I came here and really liked everything about it.
“Plus,” he says with a smile, “I just had to learn the difference between a sweetpotato and a yam.”
That was 15 years ago and “here” is Garcia Farms Produce, his in-laws’ sweetpotato packing and shipping business. Over the years, Tony set up and now runs systems to manage inventory tracking, human resources, regulation compliances, food safety, third-party certifications, organics, a new packing process, and more—all critical programs in today’s food production.
He also runs his own sweetpotato farming operation, which everybody in the family does too. “It’s a little unusual that we’re such a small family-run business,” he explains, “but it’s not unusual to be a shipper and a grower—I believe all the shippers out here grow their own.” It helps keep the supply line full.
Tony’s own family—pictured here—includes wife Tamara and three friendly, rambunctious boys, Lorenzo, Rocco, and Carmine. It’s hard to not be charmed by how much they seem to like each other. Together, they enjoy boating, snowboarding, soccer, and motorcycles. “We just try to have fun,” says Tony.
His favorite thing about living in the Central Valley? Again, talk turns to family. “I like being close. Our parents are a huge help in raising the kids. They have close relationships with their grandkids, and I’m just familiar with the familiarity.”
Tony takes a minute and adds, “It’s home.”
