Deep Appreciation for Our Family of Farmers!
For the past seven generations, our family has been deeply involved in farming, originally in Lucca, Italy and now in California's Central Valley. Throughout all these years, we have cultivated the soil alongside our family of growers, whose hard work and talent for growing premium high-quality olives is recognized and deeply appreciated by us.
This is our Field Director and cousin, Paul Busalacchi (right), working with our growers, cousin Ray Avansino (left) and Gene Wallom (center). Gene is our late patriarch Dino Cortopassi's long-time farming partner and dear friend.
Gene began working with Dino on the farms in the mid-1960's and became a highly trusted advisor. A dedicated farmer with a big heart, he has been known to be the first one working before the sun is up and the last one to "call it a day" after the sun has set. Even now in his late 80's, Gene finds incredible joy walking the groves and checking on the quality and size of the crop. He is very much a part of the family and has been a long-time fixture at the annual Cortopassi Family Salami and Sausage Making Day.
This summer Paul, Ray, Gene, and our grower family will diligently focus on the olive groves and their crops. In the early summer, they will assess how well the fruit is "setting" on the mature shoots, and then feed and nourish the trees for optimal oil development. We are eagerly waiting for the olive fruit to reach their peak of flavor in the Fall, when they will be milled into our exceptionally fresh, award-winning TRULY® 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Until next season, Ciao!
Until next season, Ciao!
