Eco Farms names Jim Leach future president, as founder Steve Taft announces retirement
Industry veteran Steve Taft to retire in June 2027 following over five decades of leadership
CHINO HILLS, Calif. — Eco Farms is entering a new chapter of leadership, naming Jim Leach as its next president, effective November 16, 2026. The transition follows founder and President Steve Taft’s announcement that he will retire on June 1, 2027.
Taft, who co-founded Eco Farms in 1972, helped guide Eco Farms from a small California operation to a leading year-round supplier with grower partnerships spanning California, Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Peru. Since partnering with Oppy in 2020, the company has significantly expanded its reach, capabilities and customer base across North America. In 2022, Oppy and Eco Farms teamed up with Avoworks to further provide consistent, reliable supply.
“As I look ahead to retirement, I do so with mixed emotions,” said Taft. “Eco Farms has been an enormous part of my life for more than 50 years. While stepping away won’t be easy, I have tremendous confidence in the future of the company. Jim understands both the grower and customer sides of the business, is energetic, talented, positive and a great cultural fit for this organization. I look forward to working closely with him over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.”
Leach currently serves as director of foodservice and Southwest sales at Oppy. Since joining Oppy in 2016, he has earned a reputation for building strong customer relationships, developing strategic growth opportunities and fostering high-performing teams.
“I am incredibly humbled to be chosen for this role by the senior leadership within Dole plc, El Parque and Oppy. To be selected to succeed an industry icon like Steve is an incredible opportunity. Steve is someone I have looked up to and have been fortunate to learn from over the past several years. Our company is exceptionally well positioned for continued growth and I look forward to continuing to learn from Steve throughout the transition and building on the strong foundation that he and the Eco Farms team have created,” shared Leach.
Raised in California’s Salinas Valley, Leach began his career in Oppy’s Chino Hills office before relocating to Houston in 2021 to lead the company’s Southwest sales region. Earning recognition both internally at Oppy and across the produce industry, he now returns to his home state to guide Eco Farms through its next phase of growth.
“Steve’s impact on the avocado industry cannot be overstated,” said President and Chief Operating Officer David Smith. “He has built a remarkable company, pioneered new opportunities in the avocado category and developed lasting relationships with growers, customers and industry partners around the world. At the same time, we’re excited about the future under Jim’s leadership. He combines strong commercial expertise with a deep appreciation for grower relationships, making him exceptionally well suited to guide Eco Farms through its new era.”
Since its founding, Eco Farms has established itself as a category pioneer, becoming the first company to grow and market organic avocados in the United States. Today, through its partnership with Oppy and a vertically integrated supply network, the company offers year-round avocado programs supported by over 700 acres of California groves, global sourcing capabilities and strategically located ripening facilities.
Chairman, CEO and Managing Partner John Anderson shared, “One of the most rewarding parts of leadership is seeing exceptional people grow into opportunities like this. We are grateful for Steve’s extraordinary contributions and excited for what lies ahead with Jim at the helm.”
