Greg Beach Discusses New Role as GSA Chair
Agriculture wasn’t an industry Greg Beach had in mind when he majored in international relations at UC Davis. A SoCal kid, working for farmers wasn’t in his plans. Yet, three decades later, he still loves what he does at Huntington Farms and now expands his work on behalf of farmers, shippers and processors as the newly elected Chair at the Grower Shipper Association of Central California (GSA).
The role of Chair is humbling because of GSA’s long history and legacy, says Beach, VP of Sales at Steinbeck Country Produce, the sales division of Huntington Farms. He adds it is very important to him to advance GSA and the Board’s long-time objective of doing good for the whole valley and providing value to local farmers and companies throughout the region.
“As a Board we must vet issues and organizational approach through open conversations and dialogue,” Beach explains. “For example, with water, we understand that our members in South County may have differing ideas than those in the Blanco area, so we need to seek harmony to meet needs.”
Beach says GSA’s regionality allows the organization to be more impactful on issues that directly affect members. In addition to water, Beach cites ensuring labor needs are met through efforts to keep H2A a viable economic option, increasing food safety resources in the Valley, safeguarding important pest control tools, as well as advocating in Sacramento on behalf of the region and apprising members of regulatory and legislative actions that could impact farming in the Salinas Valley.
Beach cites among the biggest current concerns for GSA today is controlling the diamondback moth. “This is so important because of its wide impact. If we reduce brassica crops, we also lose a lettuce rotation crop, which is why the moth is very top of mind right now.”
GSA continues its efforts to inform state and local officials of the damaging impact of this moth on the region’s brassica farms, work with its task force to identify and implement broader regional control measures and advance potential access to better pest control options.
One of his increased time commitments, Beach says, is staying up-to-date on a wide-range of issues so he’s prepared to lead the Board as well as answer questions that are invariably received from colleagues. “Yes, 148% – I have to be more on top of the issues as Chair,” Beach explains. He says he begins in the early mornings reading and also watching media reports from various outlets to stay abreast of local, state and national issues that could impact regional farms and businesses.
GSA’s ability to stay agile and respond quickly to ongoing and emerging issues is another important goal for Beach. “GSA’s readiness to adapt fast to unforeseen events will remain a priority,” Beach says. He adds that GSA’s COVID response is a strong example.
Beach credits GSA staff for handling a myriad of issues and responsibilities which allows the Board budgeting flexibility. “GSA runs lean, which gives the Board access to funds when needed for any additional response strategies,” Beach says.
He is also grateful to Victor Ramirez for his service as Chair. “I learned a lot from Victor on how to ensure the Board works well as a team. Victor is a great communicator and I gained a better understanding about the strawberry industry and their challenges through his leadership, which will help me be a better Chair. Victor is also just a great person and it’s been a pleasure to serve alongside him on GSA’s Board.”
GSA Chairs serve a two-year tenure so Beach remains in this role through 2027. “I want to continue to build on the organization’s rich legacy and that GSA is the ‘go to’ place for information, guidance, education and resources,” Beach says. “We are boots on the ground in the Salinas Valley and on the front lines of the issues impacting local businesses.”
With Beach’s love of the industry, his dedication to the region and his commitment to understanding the issues impacting local businesses, GSA’s legacy is in good hands.