Ricardo Crisantes

Ricardo is Chief Commercial Officer and third-generation co-owner of Wholesum, family owned and operated farms that grow and market certified organic produce in the US and Mexico. Motivated by a sincere belief in stewardship, Ricardo’s efforts have positioned Wholesum as a pioneer in organic growing methods, ethical farming, and responsible sourcing.

Ricardo spearheads Wholesum’s Sales and Marketing efforts through deep industry knowledge and vision. His triple bottom line approach addresses Wholesum’s responsibility to the people who grow and buy its produce, the one planet we all share, and the profits that enable the continued growth of the company. These commitments are exemplified not only by Wholesum’s organic growing methods, which eliminate synthetic chemicals to grow vegetables that are safe for both farmworkers and consumers, but also through equitable labor practices and environmental protection. Wholesum first began certifying its operations in Mexico under fair trade in 2011 and in 2016 became the first Fair Trade Certified vegetable farm in the United States. In Ricardo’s tenure there, Wholesum has also become a leader in environmental sustainability by making investments in solar energy, irrigation efficiency projects, and promoting biodiversity at the farms.

As company leader and fair trade ambassador, Ricardo has worked to create a market for fair trade produce by educating retailers and connecting consumers with farmworkers through authentic storytelling. He has also propelled the fair trade movement by partnering with growers of the same vision and social and environmental commitments.

To serve his local community, Ricardo serves as a board member of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, an organization that fosters trade between the US and Mexico. He is also a volunteer at the Kino Border Initiative helping migrants in the Sonoran Desert by feeding and clothing those in need.

Ricardo holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.