Stephen J. Barnard founded the Company in 1983 and has served as our Chief Executive Officer since 1988. Mr. Barnard will cease service as our Chief Executive Officer and assume the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, effective as of the conclusion of the 2026 Annual Meeting. Mr. Barnard served as the Company s President from 1988 until July 2022 and from December 2023 through April 1, 2024 when Mr. Pawlowski was appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Barnard has also served as a member of the Board of Directors since the Company was founded. Mr. Barnard currently serves as an at-large director for the International Fresh Produce Association. Mr. Barnard previously served as Chairman of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), Chairman of the Western Growers Association, a director for the Cal Poly Foundation, a director of the California Avocado Commission, and a director of Sunkist Growers. Mr. Barnard received a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business management from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Barnard should serve as a director based on his deep and thorough knowledge of all aspects of our business and industry, his effective leadership and management skills, and his long-tenured service in senior roles with key industry groups.