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The board also honors John McGuigan, outgoing director of industry affairs, who is retiring after 40 years in the produce industry.
The 40-year retail veteran assumes the role following the retirement of Shane Sampson, who has led the company as CEO since 2022.
The California congressman is being remembered by ag groups throughout the state for his steadfast advocacy for rural California and agriculture.
The industry veteran was appointed as the company’s first vice president of marketing and business development.
With more than a decade of produce industry experience, Jake Kamysz is focused on pineapples, bananas and plantains for the company.
Alex Van Wingerden and Mary Parreira join returning members to the nine-person board for the 2026-27 term.
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Lilze will lead the North America division of Orbia Netafim, the first woman to hold the position.
Morgan DiMartino returns as vice president of marketing, and Jose N. Garcete joins as logistics manager.
Hayes’ retirement will be effective March 2, 2026, and the search is underway for the cooperative’s next leader, according to Ocean Spray.
Jeremy Veens elected vice chair as board along with eight other board members in annual elections.
Current CEO Steve Barnard will become executive chairman of the board, and president and COO John Pawlowski will become CEO, effective April 2026.
Hollenkamp will continue to serve Wish Farms through 2026, maintaining strong relationships with Florida strawberry growers and supporting the company’s growth.
Greg Cyr will succeed Norma St. Amant who is retiring. San Diego Farms says Cyr brings extensive leadership and will help the company expand.
J.P. Beall, specialty crop farmer-owner earned top honors in the California YF&R Open Discussion Meet, winning $6,000.
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association says improving trade logistics and expanding market share are priorities for the upcoming year, its 25 in service to the industry.
The Arizona farmer has taken a unique path from petting zoo operator to organic leadership.
With his leadership, Bonipak anticipates building upon the foundation established by generations of hard work and dedication, the company says.
In her new role as vice president of innovation and business development, Watts will merge scientific innovation with grower priorities.
Malarkey has a proven track record of translating business goals into successful research and development strategies, making her a trusted adviser to several leading companies in the food and agriculture sectors, the company says.
Anna Jesse, Manolo Reyes and Chad Hansen join the North American Blueberry Council’s board, with terms beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
The Costco veteran says he is excited to be part of what will be the start of many companies in the health food business.
The retailer’s Earl Holton President’s Award honors employees for delivering exceptional results through strategic initiatives critical to the company’s success.
The produce industry veteran has held multiple CEO roles at leading perishable product companies, including Naturipe Farms LLC, Eurofresh Inc. and Florimex International BV.
Reiter Affiliated Companies has added agricultural veteran Jeff Huckaby to its board, recognizing his extensive leadership in organic farming and sustainable growth.
Under her leadership, GoodFarms became one of the first growers to adopt EFI’s Responsibly Grown, Farmworker Assured certification program, which promotes collaboration, continuous improvement, leadership and worker engagement on farms.
Previously honored in both The Packer 25 and Women in Produce, the longtime marketing and communications leader will oversee strategy, partnerships and growth for the family-focused cause marketing organization.
After only six months with the company, Fulton has shown tremendous value and passion for Ocean Mist Farms.
With more than a decade of experience in the food industry, she most recently served as a business manager for a national sales and marketing agency.
Lakovic has worked for the Allen Lund Co. for over five years and has been promoted to the new role.
Smita Katakwar of Wegmans will help guide U.S. strategy supporting members’ digital innovation initiatives and standards adoption.