BAKERSFIELD, CA - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently appointed 25 industry leaders to the Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee (FVIAC), including Eric Proffitt, Executive Vice President at Grimmway Farms. In this role, Proffitt will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on critical issues impacting the fruit and vegetable industry.

Proffitt brings more than 30 years of experience in the agriculture industry and currently oversees all divisions across Grimmway Farms.

“As a third generation agribusinessman, agriculture has been the foundation of my career,” Proffitt said. “I am honored to contribute my experience in both organic and conventional farming to support the FVIAC’s mission and the USDA’s vision for the industry.”

In addition to his leadership at Grimmway, Proffitt is an active member of the International Fresh Produce Association’s Fresh Cut Processor Council and serves on the College of Agriculture Advisory Council at California Polytechnic State University.

According to a press release, Proffitt was instrumental in launching the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, which addresses real-world challenges in California’s organic agriculture industry and provides hands-on training for students. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness with a concentration in Marketing from Cal Poly.

The FVIAC includes a diverse group of members, representing organic and non-organic growers, shippers, wholesalers, retailers, industry trade associations, importers, processors, foodservice suppliers, food brokers, state departments of agriculture, and farmers markets on local, regional, and national levels. The newly appointed members will serve two-year terms, effective immediately, through January 2027.