JVKS Harvest Solutions LLC dba AgSocio is a for-profit company that operates in the US agriculture industry as a full-service farm labor provider, known in the industry as a farm labor contractor or “FLC”. We provide qualified agricultural work crews (farm workers) to fulfill the labor needs of our customers (farmers or farming companies). Our purpose is to create value for farmers, farm workers, and the broader food industry by building a more just, safe, professional, and competitive agricultural labor employment system.Learn more at www.agsocio.com or follow us @agsocio.

Until December 2017, Matt Rogers was a Senior Global Produce Coordinator at Whole Foods Market responsible for national produce and floral purchasing, field operations and supply chain policy on topics including food safety, social accountability and sustainability. Matt led 3 teams of more than 20 buyers, field inspectors and standards experts in the ongoing search for the highest quality and highest integrity produce and flowers for Whole Foods Market's customers. Matt worked on strategic produce supply initiatives for Whole Foods Market for 12 years, including three years working as a liaison with EARTH University in Costa Rica. Matt played a leading role in the development and implementation of the Whole Trade Guarantee and Responsibly Grown programs, two key Whole Foods Market produce sourcing initiatives that drive sustainability in the supply chain, as well as transparency for shoppers.Summary of responsibilities and accomplishments:• Operational Leader of WFM Global Produce Procurement – Co-led the largest purchasing operation at the biggest business unit at WFM. Led teams to consistent positive performance across KPIs during time of significant company growth and change.• Leader to High Performing Professionals and Teams – Recruited, promoted, and/or mentored many current WFM leaders. Designed, proposed, and implemented restructuring to recruit / retain talent and position team for long-term success and growth.• Mission-Driven Change Agent with Results – Institutionalized fair trade and sustainability priorities in WFM produce sourcing. Built the leading ethical sourcing program in US produce industry. Led produce supplier policy, compliance, stakeholder engagement, and PR on agricultural labor, sustainability, and food safety.• Business and Information Systems Innovator – Designed and implemented WFM’s first-ever companywide supplier approval system for the complex global and local produce supply network.

Coordinated broad strategic partnership between EARTH University and Whole Foods Market; developed and managed commercial and non-commercial aspects of the relationship.Developed and managed distribution of EARTH University products as nationally distributed produce label / brand in USA, including fresh banana, pineapple, mango and banana fiber paper. EARTH remains a high profile label in the WFM produce department.Created and managed import / export and shipping operation to transport fresh produce from Costa Rican farms through US ports to destinations across USA. Developed suppliers, shipping capabilities and business processes. Managed purchasing, logistics and sales. Hired and managed staff. Co-managed EARTH University's independent commercial unit and reported to the commercial unit's board of directors.

During graduate school: Independent consultant on natural and organic product distribution and environmental projects for clients including: Yachana Gourmet / FUNEDISIN, Quito, EcuadorStonyfield Farm, Londonderry, NHEqual Exchange, West Bridgewater, MA

Managed sales and marketing of Preserve's eco consumer products to a national network of 2000+ retail, wholesale, government, and institutional customers. Primary channel of sale was US natural and organic retailers.Built and managed team of 50+ sales representatives at 8 regional brokerage companies.

Contributed to "Greening the Garden State," a governor-commissioned report on environmental business activity in NJ.Assisted senior staff in developing and advocating public policy recommendations on alternative energy development, energy deregulation, recycling, and manufacturing.