Richard de Los Santos

Richard De Los Santos has a diverse work experience in the agriculture and marketing industry. Richard started their career in 1989 as a Product Development Specialist at Ferry Morse Seed Company, where they conducted research, developed new products, and implemented strategic plans for various crops. In 1997, they established their own business, De Los Santos Seed Sales and Consulting, where they provided consulting services, marketed products, and developed marketing programs for seed suppliers and growers nationwide and internationally. In 2000, they joined the Texas Department of Agriculture, initially as an International Marketing Specialist, where they facilitated sales to international markets and secured federal grants for promoting Texas cotton and food products. Richard then held the role of Marketing Coordinator, responsible for coordinating marketing activities for horticulture, produce, forestry, organics, and farmers markets, representing billions of dollars in sales and economic impact. From 2017 to 2020, they served as the Director for Produce Safety and later as the Director of the Texas Office of Produce Safety and Livestock Exports.

Richard De Los Santos attended Mission High School, where they graduated in 1982. Following their high school education, they enrolled in Texas A&M University from 1982 to 1986. During this time, they pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy.