Meet the American Vegetable Grower Board of Advisors

Vegetable growing doesn’t look the same from farm to farm, or region to region. That’s why we at American Vegetable Grower have brought together a diverse group of growers, researchers, and industry leaders to help us stay connected to what matters most for the vegetable industry. Their role is simple: keep us sharp, honest, and focused on the issues that truly impact commercial vegetable production.

Meet Our New Board of Advisors

Bret Erikson
Executive Vice President of Business Affairs, Little Bear Produce (TX)

Erikson oversees strategy, governance, and long-term growth initiatives at Little Bear Produce. With extensive experience in agricultural advocacy and leadership roles at TIPA and IFPA, he brings deep insight into labor, trade, and regulatory issues impacting specialty crops nationwide.

Trevor Hardy
Co-owner and Business Manager, Brookdale Fruit Farm (NH)

Hardy manages more than 500 acres of diversified fruits and vegetables at his family’s seventh-generation farm. He also operates Brookdale Farm Supplies and serves in leadership roles with regional grower associations, bringing practical and business-driven insight to vegetable production.

Bob Jones
Co-owner and CEO, The Chef’s Garden (OH)

Jones leads The Chef’s Garden, a regenerative vegetable farm serving chefs and consumers nationwide. Focused on soil health, flavor, and nutrition, he champions research-driven farming practices that connect crop quality, human health, and environmental stewardship.

Matt Kleinhenz, Ph.D.
Professor and Extension Specialist, The Ohio State University

Dr. Kleinhenz specializes in vegetable crop physiology and production systems. Through research, teaching, and Extension outreach, he helps growers optimize yield and quality in both open-field and protected production environments.

Anna Littman
Owner, Ivy Creek Family Farm (NC)

Littman operates a diversified vegetable and flower farm in western North Carolina. She brings a small-farm perspective shaped by sustainable practices, local marketing, and collaboration with cooperatives and university partners.

Matt McGuire
Chief Agriculture Officer, JV Smith Companies (AZ)

McGuire oversees vegetable production across multiple states and Mexico, managing tens of thousands of acres. With experience spanning harvest management, cooling operations, and sales, he offers large-scale production and operational expertise.

Sara Neagu-Reed
Director of Production and Environmental Policy, IFPA

Neagu-Reed leads federal policy efforts impacting specialty crop production, including crop protection, organic standards, and environmental regulation. She brings deep experience navigating the intersection of agriculture, legislation, and regulatory reform.

Josh Roberts
Vice President of Global Ag Development, Taylor Farms

A second-generation farmer, Roberts leads external and regional farming partnerships at Taylor Farms. His role provides broad visibility into production challenges and innovation across major vegetable-growing regions.

Lynn Sosnoskie, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Cornell AgriTech

Dr. Sosnoskie focuses on sustainable weed management and precision agriculture technologies for specialty crops. Her research integrates robotics and innovative tools to improve efficiency, reduce labor demands, and support long-term crop safety.

Jaime Weisinger
Director of Community & Government Relations, Lipman Family Farms (FL)

A fourth-generation member of the Lipman family, Weisinger serves on the company’s board and leads community and government relations efforts. He brings perspective on large-scale tomato production, water policy, and industry advocacy.