Generation Farms has added produce industry veteran Mike Harris to their expanding sales team. Harris recently joined the leading grower-shipper of organic and conventional onions, watermelon, and other fresh fruits and vegetables as watermelon sales director. With a produce career spanning over three decades, Harris learned the business from the ground up. His first job was in the fields pitching watermelons at the age of 14, and over the years, he has worked every aspect of the business, from growing and business operations, to sales. "I’m excited for the opportunity to bring my experience

Farm Fresh Produce Inc. recently welcomed a new member to the team, Davy van Ewijck. Based in the Netherlands, Davy will act as junior commercial manager, assisting Farm Fresh with sales. An entrepreneurship major from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Davy has gained experience across several industries. While working at Dakafresh International, Davy discovered his passion for the fresh produce industry. Davy assisted in the implementation of new IT procedures and gained experience in purchase and sales administration, HR and system management while there. Away from work, Davy enjoys

Center for Growing Talent has announced that Leonard Batti, vice president at Taylor Farms, will serve as the chair of the organization’s board of directors for 2021. Batti stepped into the role during CGT’s first board meeting on Oct. 22. During this time, CGT also welcomed nine new industry members to the CGT board of directors, growing the overall board by three volunteers. In this role, Batti will also serve on the PMA board of directors and the executive committee. The CGT board of directors is a collective of industry leaders who volunteer to contribute their time, insights and

Index Fresh, a California-based global avocado marketer, recently announced John Dmytriw as its vice president of business development. Dmytriw previously held the position of senior business specialist and has been with the company since 2008. “John’s 20 years in the global avocado industry have primed him to manage Index’s existing relationships and to provide leadership in expanding our account base,” said Todd Elder, vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re excited to have John in a position to further develop new partnerships across the globe.” Dmytriw’s new responsibilities focus on

The Southeast Produce Council announced Wednesday, Oct. 21, that Kristin Yerecic Scott, marketing director and Board of Officers member at Yerecic Label, is the recipient of the council's Next Generation Award for 2020. The announcement was made via the SEPC Virtual Garden. David Sherrod, president and chief executive officer of the council, and Harold Paivarinta of Red Sun Farms and SEPC chairman of the board, began the presentation by recapping all of the nominees. Then following tradition, last year's Next Generation Award recipient, Andrew Hare of Vertical Roots, announced Kristin Yerecic

Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the United States, is pleased to announce the hiring of Jesse Lopez as commodity account manager. In this role, Lopez will work closely with Joe Angelo and the rest of the sales team, as well as current commodity, field, and harvest managers. “We are glad to have someone of Jesse’s caliber join our team,” said Joe Angelo, director of sales at Ocean Mist Farms. “With his veteran experience, he will add immediate strength and value to our team.” Lopez will handle key retail and wholesale accounts and work with promotion and