COVER STORY
GROWING AG’S VOICE Stuart Woolf Takes Over as Chair of Western Growers By Kara Timmins, Communications Manager
A s Albert Keck passed the gavel representing the position of chair of the board to Stuart Woolf at the 2023 Western Growers meeting in Kauai, Hawaii, in November, it was more than a handoff of the role. It was a clear view into how deep the bench is in the Western Growers board for leadership.
Though a new chair of the board may mean a different tone in guidance, the collaborative and unified nature of the board will keep to a proactive trajectory set by Keck—and the many who came before him—to keep Western agriculture fit for the bobbing and weaving needed to stay productive in a dynamic industry. “I’m not looking to suddenly change the course of anything,” Woolf said. “I’m looking to build and bolster the path we're on. I feel like I'm very aligned with the organization and its overall mission.” Stuart is President and CEO of Woolf Farming & Processing, a family-owned operation primarily focused on the production and processing of agricultural commodities. Woolf was involved with the establishment of two related entities: Harris Woolf California Almonds and Los Gatos Tomato Products. Harris Woolf is a processor and handler of raw almonds and Los Gatos manufactures bulk tomato paste for industrial users. Woolf is deeply
“I love the idea that this organization positions itself strategically to address issues directly pertinent to its members as well as the ag industry at large.”
connected within agriculture from his experience serving as Chairman of the California League of Food Processors, the Almond Board of California and the UC President’s Commission of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Along with his position on the Western Growers board, Woolf currently serves on the boards of the California Chamber of Commerce and the recently established California Agave Council. The Western Growers Family of Companies is vast and complex. Any member of the board has a lot on their
plate just understanding the dynamic and varied needs of the companies. At the helm of it all, Woolf has his attention on a few clear objectives: “I’m interested in reviewing the overall health and sustainability of the organization, which I wish to maintain and build upon. This means reviewing the strategic plans for our business units, investing in the best and brightest, maintaining strong financials, establishing key metrics, etc. In addition, I would like to see the influence of our advocacy to grow by aligning with more like-minded ag interests.”
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JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2024
Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
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