Jessica Johnson, 39

With over 15 years in the produce industry, Johnson is a respected leader, mentor and advocate for fresh produce. As a national account manager at Tanimura & Antle, she manages major retail partnerships. She started her career in the produce industry after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2008 with a degree in agricultural business. She began as a replenishment manager at Tanimura & Antle where she quickly developed an understanding of supply chain logistics, inventory management, and the importance of consistent product flow in the fresh produce industry. Over the years, she advanced within the organization, increasing responsibilities and broadening her perspective on customer relationships, operations and strategic planning.

In 2018, she was promoted to her current position, where she oversees several key national accounts.

She played a pivotal role in developing Tanimura & Antle’s vendor-managed inventory program for Walmart, a key initiative that streamlined supply chain efficiencies and strengthened the company’s partnership with one of the nation’s largest retailers. Her strategic approach and industry expertise helped optimize inventory management, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh produce to consumers.

Q: How did you begin working in the produce industry and why?

I was the first in my family to want to do something different — to carve my own path and pursue a career that blended business with something meaningful. After graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I knew I wanted to return home to Monterey County, where I could stay close to family and friends.

Growing up, I was aware of the agricultural industry since it was basically in my backyard, but it wasn’t until college that I truly began to understand its scale and opportunity. Through four years of classes, experiences and a summer internship, I developed a strong appreciation for the impact of the industry, both locally and globally. That experience validated my interest and opened the door to my first role with Tanimura & Antle. From that point on, I’ve never looked back.

Q: What do you know now you wish you knew when you first started your career?

That I’d be waking up early, every single day, because produce never sleeps. I didn’t fully understand just how demanding and fast-paced this industry is until I was in it. But it’s rewarding being part of a business that feeds people every single day and that makes it worth it.

Q: What advice would you give someone new to the produce industry?

Get out into the fields, greenhouses, and processing facilities whenever you can. There’s no substitute for seeing firsthand how produce is harvested, handled and prepared for market.

Q: What challenges and opportunities do you see for the future of the industry?

Attracting and retaining young talent. As more industries offer remote work, competitive benefits, and greater work-life balance, the next generation will naturally be drawn to those opportunities. Those of us who have grown up within the produce industry understand and embrace the fast pace and demands that come with it, but new talent will have different expectations. To stay competitive, the industry will need to adapt — offering more flexible career paths, modernizing workplace cultures, and communicating the sense of purpose and community that agriculture provides.

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?

One of the most rewarding parts of my journey in this industry has been the relationships I’ve built along the way. Throughout my time at Tanimura & Antle, and across the broader produce community, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some truly incredible people. Many have become not just colleagues, but lifelong friends.