John Cardoza has over 13 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, natural resource efficiency, and collaborative efforts with diverse partners across the agricultural industry, government agencies, academia, and the private sector. Working out of our Modesto office, John leads our work in nutrient management. This effort focuses on practices and technologies that improve nutrient and water use efficiency, enhance water quality, and ensure economic viability.

John’s deep understanding of agriculture stems from his upbringing on a family farm near Modesto, CA, and his diverse experience across the agricultural sector. Time spent on his family’s farm, Cardoza Farms, gave John firsthand experience farming alfalfa, silage corn, sweet corn, pumpkins, and other crops. During this time, he also helped run a custom harvesting business and worked closely with dairies in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.

His expertise includes strategic project development, science-based research initiatives, grant management, and enhancing water and fertilizer efficiencies. John has a proven track record as a principal investigator, showcasing measurable accomplishments within national research grants and the commercialization of innovative technologies. His leadership has facilitated the scaling and adoption of strategic, sustainable solutions to agricultural industry environmental challenges. Under John’s leadership, the organization has earned awards such as the 2020 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award, 2020 California Dairy Sustainability Award, and the 2022 Irrigation Association Vanguard Award.

John holds a B.S. in Agribusiness from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and is a Certified Crop Advisor.