On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Water Education Colorado recognized Robert Sakata with the 2025 Diane Hoppe Leadership Award. Read more about the award and past award winners here.
Robert Sakata has dedicated his life to agriculture, water stewardship, and public service in Colorado. A lifelong farmer and respected leader in the state’s agricultural and water policy arenas, Sakata was hired in December 2023 as the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s (CDA) first-ever Agricultural Water Policy Advisor. This newly created position, established through funding from the 2023 legislative session, was designed to provide a stronger voice for Colorado farmers and ranchers on the pressing water issues shaping the future of the state. He officially began his role on January 1, 2024.
Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg praised Sakata’s appointment, calling him “the right person at the right time.” She noted that his lifetime of experience as both a farmer and a water policy leader, coupled with his deep commitment to Colorado’s agricultural communities, uniquely positions him to represent and support producers navigating historic challenges.
Sakata is the president of Sakata Farms, Inc., a family-run operation in Brighton, Colorado, founded in 1944 by his late father, Bob Sakata. Today, the farm cares for roughly 2,500 acres of irrigated land stretching across Brighton, Platteville, and Hudson. While agriculture has always been central to his life, Sakata’s academic background reflects broad interests—he studied Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology as well as child psychology at the University of Colorado before returning to his family’s farming roots.
From a young age, Sakata was influenced by the example of his parents, who instilled in him the value of community service and engagement. Following in their footsteps, he became the founding president of the board of directors for the Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, which was established to unite produce growers across the state with a shared voice in policy and advocacy.
In his new role as Agricultural Water Policy Advisor, Sakata brings firsthand experience with irrigated agriculture and decades of water leadership. As Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) Conservation Services Director Les Owen observed, “Robert brings experience that can only be gained by making a living in irrigated agriculture to this position. This will make him a tremendous asset to CDA in advocating for the agriculture industry on water issues.”
Sakata’s water leadership is extensive. In 2021, Governor Jared Polis appointed him to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) as the South Platte Basin representative. He concluded his term in early 2024, at which point he transitioned to serving as Commissioner Greenberg’s delegate to the CWCB. He has also been deeply engaged in local and regional water management, serving on the boards of the Fulton Irrigation Company, the Brighton Ditch Company, and the New Brantner Irrigation Ditch Company.
His service history extends far beyond these roles. Sakata served as a member of the Metro Basin Roundtable, sat on the Colorado Water Congress Board of Directors, and contributed his expertise to the National Onion Association Board of Trustees, the Adams County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and the Colorado Onion Association Board of Directors. He also gave 15 years of service on the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission, appointed by three different governors—a testament to the respect and trust he earned across administrations.
In recognition of his leadership, the Colorado Farm Bureau honored Sakata in 2022 with the Outside of Farm Bureau Service to Agriculture Award. This recognition carried particular meaning as it echoed the award bestowed in 2013 to his father, Bob, who passed away in 2022 and was a beloved figure in Colorado agriculture.
Throughout his career, Sakata has spoken often about the importance of building trust and fostering dialogue around water. “I am honored to be able to participate in water discussions no matter where, in order to build trust and foster positive relationships that can carry meaningful dialogue forward,” he has said. His approach reflects both his humility and his dedication to ensuring that water policy decisions remain rooted in collaboration, respect, and a shared vision for Colorado’s agricultural future.
Today, as both a farmer and a public servant, Sakata balances the realities of operating a large-scale irrigated farm with the responsibility of shaping statewide agricultural water policy. This unique perspective enables him to bridge the gap between producers on the ground and policymakers at the table. Whether tending to crops, serving on an irrigation board, or advising state leaders, Sakata brings the same commitment: to safeguard Colorado’s agricultural heritage, advocate for the responsible use of water, and support the farmers and ranchers who sustain the state.
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