Darren Filkins has joined the leadership team at sustainable real asset investor Agriculture Capital (AC). Filkins will serve as president of AC’s operations subsidiary in Dinuba, California.
In the role, Filkins will oversee a number of AC’s business divisions, including sales and marketing for Suntreat, Central Valley farming operations and AC Foods Legacy’s packing and shipping. He will also be responsible for AC Foods Lindsay’s packing and shipping operations in Lindsay, California.
“AC is taking a hands-on operator approach to responsible growing, harvesting, packaging, and marketing of fresh fruits and nuts that support healthy people and healthy communities,” Filkins stated. “The company’s vertical integration investment model creates an opportunity for seasoned operators, like me, to lead diverse teams with a shared commitment to excellence,accountability, transparency, and stewardship.”
Filkins brings a proven track record to the company, having previously held positions with Fresh Choice Produce, D’Arrigo Brothers, Tanimura and Antle, and Bolthouse Farms, as well as a tenure as chief executive with the Nickel Family.
“Darren joins our team with extensive knowledge of the grower side of the business, as well as packing, processing, and distribution experience across several different types of produce,” AC principal Tom Avinelis said. “Darren has traversed the agricultural landscape from citrus, almonds, lettuce, and carrots to tomatoes and alfalfa.”
AC Foods Legacy is currently undergoing a citrus line automation project, which will boost the company’s packing and shipping capacity.
Filkins will work closely with packhouse staff and AC Foods’ farm managers, as Suntreat increases its Sumo Citrus, Cara Cara and Blood Orange acreage, as well as its high-brix navel and Valencia programme.
