June 27th, 2024
By Michael Shulman
American Farmland Trust Statement on the Passing of Wine Leader Robert J. Gallo
WASHINGTON, DC – American Farmland Trust mourns the passing of wine leader and benefactor Robert J. Gallo. The son of co-founder Julio Gallo, he carried on the family business as co-president and co-chairman of E&J Gallo, the world’s largest winery, which employs about 7,000 people at its Modesto headquarters and across the nation.
A former member of AFT’s board of directors, Gallo’s passion for farming helped preserve thousands of acres of wildlife habitat land, setting aside one acre for every California North Coast acre planted with grapevines.
“Bob was a great entrepreneurial leader, a true steward of the environment, and a strong advocate for farming and farmland,” said AFT President and CEO John Piotti. “He spent every moment trying to make the world a better place, and as a result, touched countless lives.”
AFT extends its deepest condolences to Gallo’s family, including his seven children (preceded in death by a son), 22 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. One of Gallo’s children, Tom, previously served on AFT’s board, while another, Gina, currently serves on AFT’s board.
“Bob inspired his children to be as passionate about these issues as he was,” explained Piotti.
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American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and supported thousands of farm families.