Summary: Tonya Antle has been a driving force in the farming and produce industry for the past thirty plus years. She grew up on her own family’s table grape and citrus farm in Delano, California. She is recognized as a top spokesperson and a true trailblazer for the organic produce segment, helping to propel organic produce from the fringe to mainstream mass-market retailing. Tonya is the Cofounder and EVP of the newly formed Organic Produce Network. OPN, based in Salinas, Ca, is focused on connecting all facets of the organic produce, specialty crop community through education, information and live events. She previously held the position of Vice President of Organic Sales for over 13 years at Earthbound Farm, the country’s leading brand of organic vegetables and salads. During her tenure at Earthbound Farm, she worked with leading retailers throughout the US and Canada to develop and build organic programs and markets. Tonya was an instrumental leader in helping to build this California brand to its half billion-dollar sales level prior to her departure. Tonya brings an unabashedly positive outlook and can-do attitude to everything she does and understands the power of the judicious use of humor, even in business, which means that she’s in high demand. She has also consulted for leading US Venture Capital firms on investments in the organic space. Tonya, is the 2017 recipient of the Ag Against Hunger, Ag Women of the Year, the 2016 co-recipient, along with her husband, Rick, of the United Fresh, Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2003 recipient of the Women in Produce achievement award. In 2010, she joined the Ag Business Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo as an Adjunct Professor in Fresh Fruit and Vegetable marketing and has also served the university as a member of the President’s Council. Tonya also enjoys guest lecturing at Hartnell Junior College, Ag Business Department and most recently at CSUMB, School of Business. She currently leads the Women's Fund Leadership Council which is a field of interest fund at the Community Foundation for Monterey County, where she recently completed a 1.5-million-dollar endowment campaign for this fund. Tonya also serves on the CSUMB Foundation Board. Tonya holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications from the University of California at Irvine. Her time is well balanced between her entrepreneurial role in the organic produce industry, community volunteerism, mother, and wife. Tonya takes great pleasure in the time she spends with her husband Rick, CEO of Tanimura and Antle, whether it’s boating the waterways of the Americas or playing tennis in Pebble Beach. Tonya brings a joyful enthusiasm to all of her endeavors.
