Christina Monnin, 39
Owner Farm to Market Consulting, Blueberry Hill Farm , Clermont, FL
June 10, 2025 | 3 min to read
SHORT BIO
Hometown: Wauchula, FL
Hobbies: Travel with family, Snorkeling, Crafting
Family/Community: Married, 2 daughters, Local Chamber of Commerce,
Motto in life: Do the next right thing!
Monnin has more than 19 years of experience in customer development for grower/packer/shippers across the Eastern U.S. Her work spans multiple commodity sets, where she has successfully led a variety of business development initiatives within the produce industry. In her most recent role, beginning in 2021, as director of business development at Cottle Strawberry Nursery, she significantly increased sales volume and profitability by developing upgraded customer relationships, managing procurement processes, and expanding the vegetable program to cover customers’ year-round needs.
From 2018 to 2021, she served as director of business development at Van Solkema Family Farms, where she played a key role in rebranding the company, developing training programs, and building sales strategies for the company’s growing team. She also worked in account management at Duda Farm Fresh Foods, beginning in 2011.
In January 2024, Monnin founded Farm to Market Consulting, a grower-focused sales and supply chain service agency. The company’s mission is to build direct connections between farmers and buyers while building an organizational strategy to enable generational growth and profitability.
Monnin’s passion also led her to establish Blueberry Hill Farm, a 105-acre organic farm in Clermont, FL, in 2023, with a dual focus on commercial growing and education-focused agritourism. She also volunteers on the Foodservice Committee as well as the Scholarship Committee for the Southeast Produce Council.
Q: How did you begin working in the produce industry and why?
My first job in the industry was with Clear Springs Packing in Winter Haven, FL, around 2006. I had no prior experience in produce and didn’t grow up in it, but once I started working there and learned more about blueberries, packing, and sales, I became addicted to the industry. I fell in love with produce and from that moment on, I accepted every opportunity that came my way. I set up their food safety program from start to finish with Primus, developed a process for the packing line to custom pack to order, and ensured that the correct products were received by the right customers. Ultimately, I had leadership tell me that I would excel in sales. I had the best mentors anyone could ever ask for in sales, and I owe them an immense amount of gratitude for taking me under their wing.
Q: What advice would you give someone new to the produce industry?
I enjoy connecting with those who are new to the industry because I remember what it was like for me. I always tell newcomers that it’s essential to take ownership of their work. It’s crucial to ensure that your word is never in question — protect your word and your integrity, as these are the most important things to safeguard in life.
Q: What is the one thing in your business that you are most passionate about?
I am passionate about helping farmers take control of their own destinies while addressing a significant need in the industry. I believe that customers can reduce their retail costs by having a direct source for products, which will also increase returns for growers. Unfortunately, I see many farms struggling to survive, leading to a gap in supply and preventing farmers from passing on their wisdom and knowledge to the next generation. One of the main reasons we purchased Blueberry Hill Farm was to be part of the solution in Florida through farming, and to teach our daughters, Lily and Laila, how to feed themselves and support their communities.
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