Editor’s note: The following profile is from the 2023 Packer 25, our annual tribute to 25 leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. (You can view all honorees here.) This feature has been edited for length and clarity.
Dwight Ferguson — President and CEO, California Agricultural Leadership Foundation
One thing that motivates me to serve as an industry volunteer association leader is...
The opportunity to contribute to the cause of growing a healthier world. Ag, and especially produce, provides solutions for improving human health and global farming communities. I can’t imagine a higher purpose to work for today.
What is one accomplishment, either with a produce company or as a produce volunteer leader, do you take pride in?
The great teams of leaders I’ve been so fortunate to work with. In the businesses I’ve managed, the trade associations I’ve belonged to and the ag foundation I now get to serve, the common mission has been to make a difference. Those who do that daily inspire me.
More about Dwight Ferguson
Dwight Ferguson is the president and CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, which operates the longest continuously operating leadership training experience of its kind in the U.S. Its flagship program is considered one of the premier leadership development programs in the world.
Prior to this role, Ferguson was a produce and CPG industry executive for more than 30 years, most recently serving as president and CEO of Naturipe Farms LLC, a leading global fresh fruit grower-shipper based in Salinas, Calif. He previously held similar positions at Willcox, Ariz.-based Eurofresh Inc., and Florimex International BV, the world’s largest cut flower distribution company, based in Aalsmeer, Netherlands.
Ferguson began his career in sales and operations roles at Procter & Gamble and The Pepsi-Cola Co. He is also a past chairman of the Produce Marketing Association, a predecessor organization to the International Fresh Produce Association. Most recently, he has been named the incoming chairman of the IFPA Foundation.
He earned a Bachelor of Science from Ohio University and holds a Master of Management degree from Aquinas College.
