IDAHO FALLS, ID - As trade news writers, mapping out the layers of company growth is one of our greatest honors. Charting one of the latest moves in Eagle Eye Produce’s growth trajectory, the company announced today that it has expanded its year-round onion programs with the addition of Central Produce Distribution of Payette, Idaho. With this expansion, Austin Wagstaff, formerly of Central Produce, will step into a new role as Eagle Eye’s new Sales and Grower Relations leader.
“We have been impressed by the reputation Eagle Eye Produce maintains with its growers, employees, and partners. We share the same vision and strong values, and I look forward to expanding this program even further,” said Wagstaff.
Wagstaff earned his degree in Agriculture Business at Utah State University. After earning his degree, he took a position at Central Produce and WBH Farms, where he remained for four years. He grew up working for his family’s multigeneration farm and has held several positions from food safety, transportation, and grower relations to sales and marketing.
Central Produce Distribution is comprised of family farms, including WBH Farms of Nyssa, Oregon, and Starr Island Farms of Ontario, Oregon. The company has a strong heritage with decades of experience growing and shipping onions in Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon, a press release noted.
“This expansion will allow us to strengthen our onion growing, packing, and shipping capabilities immensely. This move aligns with our overall mission to be the Partner of Choice to our customers with smart, controlled growth by diversifying to key geographical locations, bolstering our supply, and growing our overall year-round onion programs,” said Lance Poole, Executive Vice President of Eagle Eye.
Ray Burzota, President and General Manager of Central Produce, also commented on this monumental expansion effort.
“Eagle Eye Produce has built a great name and reputation within the potato and onion market, and they bring the sales and marketing expertise, which meshes nicely with our decades of experience packing, growing, and shipping high-quality onions and potatoes. We’re optimistic about what the future will bring, and we’re looking forward to a great first season,” Burzota said.
Further outlining the strategic partnership between these growing operations, Randy Bowns of WBH Farms chimed in.
“As a family business, we have been impressed to see that Eagle Eye Produce runs like a family business. They work hard and are willing to help wherever needed to ensure we can both see the fruits of our labor. We are happy to be working with Eagle Eye Produce, and we feel it will further propel our businesses forward,” said Bowns.
Congratulations to Austin Wagstaff on his appointment, and to Eagle Eye Produce on this exciting expansion!