Keith Mathews gets nod to lead Yakima Growers-Shippers
Keith Mathews gets nod to lead Yakima Growers-Shippers
Keith Mathews assumed the position of executive director of the Yakima Growers-Shippers Association in Yakima, WA. He was selected Oct. 15 following the resignation of former Executive Director Miles Kohl, who is now working in the private sector for Allan Bros. in Nachez, WA.
Mr. Mathews is no stranger to the organization. In the early 1990s, he was responsible for a number of fiduciary programs, including self-insurance programs, for growers and shippers in southern Washington. "As the warehouses became larger, the focus changed," Mr. Mathews noted.
Today, the organization represents growers and shippers to state regulators, federal and state legislators and local authorities. According to Mr. Mathews, comprehensive electronic programs have also been implemented to collect data that drive industry decisions.
Mr. Mathews brings strong industry experience to the position. Prior to joining the association, he served as director of grower development for five years for L&M Cos. in Selah, WA, and worked with Rainier Fruit Co. in its marketing department for eight years.
"I've spent the past 12 years pretty deeply involved with the major packer- shipper community on the marketing side," he stated.
He was asked about the challenges the association faces in the coming years. "[They] are not dissimilar from the challenges faced in the produce world," he replied.
Grower operations continue to expand, and Mr. Mathews said that companies have become more vertically integrated. The use of technology continues to increase among growers, and Mr. Mathews said that food-safety programs and regulations, which will have increasing effects on growers, are the wave of the future.
Taking these factors into account, Mr. Mathews observed, "That certainly comes down to regional organizations like this one."
Mr. Mathews said that the association needs to carry a strong message to the public and legislative bodies. Population centers and political leadership are concentrated in the western part of Washington -- an area that Mr. Mathews said is more liberal and non-agricultural.
"Most of those folks don't have an idea what it takes to farm," he commented.
Mr. Mathews is no stranger to the organization. In the early 1990s, he was responsible for a number of fiduciary programs, including self-insurance programs, for growers and shippers in southern Washington. "As the warehouses became larger, the focus changed," Mr. Mathews noted.
Today, the organization represents growers and shippers to state regulators, federal and state legislators and local authorities. According to Mr. Mathews, comprehensive electronic programs have also been implemented to collect data that drive industry decisions.
Mr. Mathews brings strong industry experience to the position. Prior to joining the association, he served as director of grower development for five years for L&M Cos. in Selah, WA, and worked with Rainier Fruit Co. in its marketing department for eight years.
"I've spent the past 12 years pretty deeply involved with the major packer- shipper community on the marketing side," he stated.
He was asked about the challenges the association faces in the coming years. "[They] are not dissimilar from the challenges faced in the produce world," he replied.
Grower operations continue to expand, and Mr. Mathews said that companies have become more vertically integrated. The use of technology continues to increase among growers, and Mr. Mathews said that food-safety programs and regulations, which will have increasing effects on growers, are the wave of the future.
Taking these factors into account, Mr. Mathews observed, "That certainly comes down to regional organizations like this one."
Mr. Mathews said that the association needs to carry a strong message to the public and legislative bodies. Population centers and political leadership are concentrated in the western part of Washington -- an area that Mr. Mathews said is more liberal and non-agricultural.
"Most of those folks don't have an idea what it takes to farm," he commented.
