Rick Antle has followed in the Antle family tradition of leadership and innovation in the produce industry. President of the Company since its formation in 1982, and Chief Executive Officer since 2003, Rick constantly challenges his team to provide innovative solutions, even if the advances are against conventional wisdom. For, as Rick believes, it is the creative solutions of its employees that have made Tanimura & Antle America’s premier independent produce grower, shipper and distributor.

Although Rick is fond of introducing new technologies and systems into the Company, he never loses sight of its essential constituents - customers, growers and employees. This intense focus is something Rick inherited from his grandfather, Bud Antle. Acknowledging his stature, the Salinas Jaycees have selected Rick as Farmer of the Year, The Packer has named him Produce Man of the Year, and California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, has designated him a Crop Sciences Distinguished Agriculturalist.

In addition to his duties at Tanimura & Antle, Rick is a Board member of Earthbound Farm, LLC, the leading producer of organic fresh fruits and vegetables in the United States, as well as a Board member of Ready Pac Produce, LLC, producers of award-winning signature salad blends and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. He is also a member of the Boards of United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (UFFVA) and Pacific Ag Rentals. Rick has served as Chairman of the Iceberg Lettuce Research Board and the Monterey County Water Resources Agency.

He is a graduate of California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, and has been designated a Distinguished Alumnus by the University’s Department of Agriculture. Rick serves on the California Polytechnic Crop Science Advisory Board, as well as the California Polytechnic College of Agriculture Advisory Council.