BAKERSFIELD, CA - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture has a new addition and one of our industry’s own at that. Last week, Grimmway Farms President and CEO Jeff Huckaby was appointed to the board by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and will join fourteen other Governor-appointed members to serve the interest of the state’s diverse agricultural community.
“Farming is in my blood, and I love what I do,” Huckaby said. “I am honored and proud to serve our great state through my position on the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. I will strive to champion the concerns of California farmers, build a community that supports agribusiness, and work to solve the issues facing the agriculture industry.”
As a fourth-generation farmer with more than 28 years of management experience and deep roots in the agricultural industry, Huckaby’s leadership has been integral in establishing Grimmway Farms’ global organic business and lead position in the category. According to a press release, he first joined Grimmway in 1998 and served as General Manager of the company’s organic division following the acquisition of Cal-Organic Farms in 2001. He later became Executive Vice President, overseeing sales, production, and farming for all divisions, before becoming President and CEO in 2016.
Along with serving Grimmway Farms, Huckaby is also a member of the Advisory Council for the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and was recently selected to serve on the United Fresh Produce Association Board of Directors.
Representing a broad range of agricultural commodities, a variety of geographic regions, and both the University of California and California State University academic systems, the California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and secretary on key issues important to California’s farmers, ranchers, community stakeholders, and citizens. Meeting monthly in Sacramento, all board meetings are open to the public and attendance is welcome.
Congratulations, Jeff Huckaby! For more of the latest produce industry accomplishments, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
