Leonard Batti is the Vice President for Business Development at Taylor Fresh Foods.
Leonard joined the produce industry in 1978, working for a family-owned farming company that grew specialty crops in California’s Silicon Valley.
In 1986 he went to work for Bruce Taylor at Fresh Express, which sparked a 40-year friendship and a passion in value added vegetables, fruits and ready-to-eat foods. Leonard has deep experience in all aspects of the produce supply chain, from field to table. In 2013 he rejoined Bruce as President of Taylor Farms Florida. Today Leonard leads the company’s farming expansion in the eastern United States which includes seed development, alternative growing methods, land procurement, and business partnerships.
Leonard believes in giving back to the industry that has given him so much. He currently serves on IFPA’s Grower/Shipper Council and is the past Board Chairman of PMA’s Center for Growing Talent as well as PMA’s Executive Committee. He is also the Chairman of the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Leonard lives in Salinas, California with his wife of 39 years and they have two grown children and two beautiful granddaughters.