James Patterson

James Patterson, Chesterland, is a fifth generation family farmer, owning and operating the fruit farm portion of Patterson. Inc.. a family operation which includes fruit trees, pick-your-own strawberries and Orchard Hills Golf Course located in Geauga County. The orchard produces 10,000 bushels of apples and 150,000 gallons of cider each year.

He provides outstanding leadership to farm organizations on the local, state and national levels. He was president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation for four years and has served as a trustee for The Ohio State University since 1994. He has been a member of the OARDC Support Council, the American Farm Bureau Federation Farm Credit Bank of Louisville Board and Board of Directors Past President Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.

Patterson is a past president of the Ohio Fruit Growers Association and is a member of the North American Strawberry Growers Association, Farm Markets of Ohio Advisory Committee, Ohio Apple Operating Committee and Landmark Inc. State Board of Trustees.