Brenda Haught, co-CEO of Creekside Organics, grew up on small farms in Iowa and California where she developed a deep appreciation for family farming and the communities that sustain it. She graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a degree in agricultural business before building a career in organic produce sales and marketing.
In 2011, Haught founded Creekside Organics to connect organic growers with the markets they need to succeed. With more than 25 years of experience and a strong understanding of both farming and sales, she has focused on expanding opportunities for growers while strengthening relationships across the supply chain. Following a 2021 merger with Capay Organic and the 2025 integration with Fruit World, her work continues to support growers, expand market access and build a more resilient organic produce network.
The Packer: What do you think sets you apart from others in the field, and how do you continuously work to elevate your contributions to the produce industry?
Haught: What sets me apart is my ability to connect strategy to execution in a fast-moving, highly perishable business. In fresh produce, you don’t have the luxury of waiting. Decisions need to be made quickly, with clarity and conviction and with a clear understanding of how they impact growers, customers and the team.
A big part of that is staying grounded in the people behind the work. I stay closely connected to all parts of the business, from crop planning through sales execution, so I can see issues early, ask the right questions and keep things moving. That visibility allows me to make informed decisions while staying mindful of the real-world impact those decisions have across the supply chain.
I hold a high bar for communication, work ethic and accountability. How we show up matters, especially in an environment where small decisions can have real ripple effects.
At the end of the day, long-term success in this industry depends on healthy farms, strong teams and lasting partnerships, and I see it as my responsibility to help keep all of that moving forward.
As women at the helm of a major organic brokerage, what advice do you have for young women looking to break into the boots-on-the-ground side of produce?
My advice to young women entering the produce industry is to take a chance and get involved. Seek out a leader or mentor and step into your role with intention and purpose. Don’t wait to be invited into the hard parts; step into them.
This industry rewards people who are willing to learn quickly, solve problems and build trust in real time. Spend time in the fields. Ask questions. Work alongside others to find solutions. Understanding the product at its source builds credibility you can’t get any other way, and that credibility matters.
Don’t underestimate the power of your voice. You don’t have to fit a mold to succeed here. Bring your perspective, your work ethic and your integrity, and let those things speak for you.
And finally, find people who are willing to invest in you, and be willing to do the same for others as you grow. Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways we strengthen this industry for the future.
Co-leadership is rare and powerful. How do your individual strengths complement each other when navigating the complexities of the organic market?
Co-leadership works for us because it’s rooted in trust, clarity and a shared vision. We each bring different strengths to the table, and instead of overlapping, those strengths complement each other and create a more complete approach to leadership.
Bianca [Kaprielian] and I are aligned on what matters. We both care deeply about our growers, our customers and the long-term health of family farms. That makes decision-making a lot more straightforward, even when things get challenging.
We each bring different strengths. Bianca spends more time on long-term planning and direction and branding and marketing, while I focus more on operations, the team and making sure things are running the way they need to day to day. There’s overlap, but it’s complementary, not duplicative.
We also both value having some balance. This work can be intense, and having each other means we can step in and step out when needed, whether that’s to reset, think more strategically or just be present outside of work. Knowing you have someone who cares about the company as deeply as you do makes a big difference.
And things do get challenging. This is a business where you’re constantly dealing with weather, shifting supply, customer needs and pricing pressure. Having two of us in it means we can move quickly, talk things through in real time and make better decisions. We don’t always see things the same way, and that’s a good thing. It pushes us to be more thoughtful and clearer in how we move forward.
You’re out in the fields together — who is more likely to spot a quality issue first, and who is more likely to start a conversation with the grower?
That’s an easy one, and it probably depends on the crop.
Bianca is an expert in citrus and stone fruit, while I have vast experience in wet and dry veg and melon crops. We both enjoy walking a field, checking fruit and veg, noticing the subtle things that could impact a pack or a program.
We both understand how important strong relationships are on every side of business. We know what growers are up against, and we understand the pressures retailers and wholesalers are facing too. That perspective helps us ask the right questions and work toward real solutions.
The reality is both of our perspectives matter, and we are stronger for it. In this business, quality and relationships go hand in hand, and the best outcomes happen when you’re paying close attention to both at the same time.
Learn more about The Packer’s 2026 Women in Produce honorees:
- Beth Atkinson-Keeton — owner, Elephant House PR
- Hilary Craig — director of produce category management, Misfits Market
- Danelle Huber — senior marketing manager, CMI Orchards
- Gwen Jackimek — senior director of sales, avocados, Fresh Del Monte; chair, Hass Avocado Board
- Bianca Kaprielian — co-CEO, Creekside Organics
- Erin Mittelstaedt — CEO, The FruitGuys
- Dina Newman — founder, KC Black Urban Growers
- Jonna Parker — vice president of fresh foods group, Circana
