Job Details

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Grower Relations Representative to join our team at Famoso Nut Company. The ideal candidate will be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with almond growers, ensuring the supply of high-quality almonds for our operations. The Grower Relations Representative will be the primary point of contact for almond growers within Tulare County and northern areas. This position requires a deep understanding of almond production, superior communication skills, and a passion for fostering collaborative relationships within the agricultural community.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with almond growers to ensure a consistent and reliable supply.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the company and almond growers, addressing their needs, concerns, and queries on a day-to-day basis.
• Collects feedback from growers to relay to management.
• Actively recruit and onboard new growers to expand the company's supply base.
• Participate in community and agricultural clubs, grower associations, and industry events to build relationships and stay informed on industry developments.
• Monitor the quality of almond crops, ensuring they meet the company's specifications and industry standards. ·
• Communicate with the Grower Relations Manager to ensure growers comply with all regulatory requirements, sustainability initiatives, and food safety protocols.
• Work closely with internal teams to address any quality or supply issues that arise.
• Assist growers with navigating contract terms, payments, and other operational matters.
• Conduct crop and orchard analysis.
• Stay up to date on new technologies, innovations, and industry trends that can benefit growers and improve crop quality.
• Actively engage with local community organizations, agricultural clubs, and industry groups to stay informed about trends in the almond industry.
• Must be able to travel more than 50% of the time to recruit new growers and interact with them directly.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of crop production, especially almonds.
• Familiarity with agricultural regulations, such as food safety standards, environmental compliance, and labor laws affecting growers.
• Knowledge of seasonal variations, harvest cycles, and how they affect supply chain planning.
• Familiarity with industry groups, local agricultural associations, and community-based organizations relevant to growers.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to develop and maintain strong relationships with growers.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage resources effectively, especially during peak seasons.
• Excellent oral communication skills for presenting technical information to growers in a clear and persuasive manner.
• Flexibility to travel frequently to meet with growers, attend industry events, and visit fields.
• Ability to spot and address potential issues before they become larger problems.
• Collaborative mindset to ensure information flow and coordination between departments and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage time effectively, especially during busy seasons, to meet deadlines for grower visits, reports, and contract negotiations.
• Ability to lead discussions with growers and internal teams, providing guidance, advice, and support.

Education and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in the agriculture industry, preferably with direct involvement in grower relations or farm management.
• Experience in the almond industry is highly desirable.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Physical requirements:

• Ability to walk, stand, and move for extended periods, often over uneven and outdoor terrains.
• Must be able to use tools or equipment to collect samples, which may require precise hand and finger use.
• Ability to lift and carry weights, typically ranging from moderate to heavy, to transport samples.
• Required to work in prolonged outdoor exposure.

Work environment:

• Weather conditions can range from hot, rainy, or dry, depending on the season and location. The role will require flexibility to work in these conditions.
• Possible exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals and farm equipment noise during field visits. Proper safety equipment may be required depending on the specific environment.
• Frequent travel is required, often involving driving long distances to visit growers, attend industry events, and meet with stakeholders. The employee should be comfortable with extensive time on the road
• Participation in agricultural conferences, trade shows, and community meetings will be a regular part of the role. These events may be held in a variety of settings, including indoor conference spaces and outdoor venues.
• Networking and building relationships will sometimes involve after-hours commitments, such as dinners, social events, or club meetings.