‘Tireless voice' of fresh produce to retire

The fresh produce industry will never be the same.

Tom Karst will retire Dec. 31 from his role as The Packer’s editor emeritus to spend more time with family and grandchildren.

Tom is as beloved as a true gentleman as he is respected for his 40 years of covering agriculture and the fresh produce supply chain. From labor to transportation, the USDA to industry issues, fresh trends to breaking news — Tom has had his finger on the pulse of fresh produce for four decades.

He will be greatly missed by his team at The Packer, the Farm Journal edit team and the fresh produce industry as a whole. As we wish him all the best in his next chapter, The Packer team and longtime industry colleagues shared the following tributes to the legendary produce journalist and editor.

“Tom has been a tireless voice for the fresh produce industry throughout his career at The Packer, covering everything from consumer trends to trade issues to food safety crises to the eventual merger of IFPA legacy organizations PMA and United Fresh,” said International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns. “He’s been a constant at many of our programs over the years, providing detailed coverage and analysis to his readership. I will miss seeing him at industry events and we at IFPA wish him a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement. Thank you, Tom!”

“It seems Tom has been covering the produce industry forever — even pre-dating my joining United Fresh in 1993,” said Tom Stenzel, executive director of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance and the former president and CEO of the United Fresh Produce Association. “He was always on top of every major issue, and one could probably get a history of the industry just from reading his stories over the years. He always kept The Packer a ‘must-read.’”

“Long before I ever met Tom, I admired his writing,” said Karin Gardner, vice president of marketing for Oppy. “He’s a true ‘produce guy,’ though a journalist through and through: a storyteller when there’s a tale to be told, a clear conveyor of details when complex issues are at hand. As an industry we relied on Tom to shoot straight and tell us what we needed to know, while often showing a heart as big as his vocabulary. Time with Tom was always a lovely mix of catching up on family and business. On behalf of his many friends at Oppy, I wish Tom a very happy retirement. We’ll miss you, Tom!”

“Having worked as a colleague with Tom for 13 years, and then as a source in the industry he covers, I can tell you that Tom is one of the most thorough and thoughtful journalists out there,” said Lance Jungmeyer, president of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas and a Packer alum (1995-2008). “His retirement is well deserved, and his legacy will endure.”

“First, Tom Karst is quite possibly the kindest, most sincere, humble and thoughtful person I’ve come across in the industry; he was one of the first people I met when I joined The Packer more than 20 years ago, and he always had a smile, a question about you and a useful tip,” said Angie Thomas, retail execution consultant for the National Mango Board. “He embodies the true spirit of journalism — becoming a curious expert in your field, developing genuine relationships with contacts and reporting in an insightful, factual and well-rounded manner.

“Tom is a best-in-class person and professional who has given so much to the produce industry,” Thomas continued. “He will truly be missed. We hope he enjoys a well-deserved retirement with family and friends.

“Tom can write what few dare to tackle — regarding the maze of government-related produce issues, farm bills, information and so much more — all with ease and under strict deadlines,” said Armand Lobato of the Idaho Potato Commission and a columnist for The Packer. “Tom is more than just a writer. He’s a consummate professional and a true friend to the produce industry. A kind and gentle man, I’m proud to call him my friend. Happy retirement, Tom!”

“I love Tom! We both have the same dry humor and can appreciate the funny side of things,” said Marge Kulba, broadcast producer for Farm Journal. “I made it my daily mission, when I saw Tom on our Zoom meetings, to give him a zinger statement like, ‘Hi to everyone, even Tom!’ What was great is that he didn’t mind, and he could zing me right back. I would always share stories with him that might be of interest to him and his audience, and he would do the same for me.

“I knew I could trust Tom and his information,” Kulba added. “He always had his readers in mind and did a great job keeping Packer readers informed. Truly one of the nice guys! I’m gonna miss him!”

“Tom is the consummate professional who has lived and breathed the fresh produce industry for over 40 years, earning the respect and admiration of those he has served and worked with,” said Gary English, who recently retired from The Packer. “His wealth of experience and depth of industry knowledge have served our readers and made him an anchor of The Packer publications.”

“I can’t tell you how many people have asked me about Tom since I’ve started at The Packer, which shows you how much of an impact he has had on the industry,” said The Packer’s Produce Editor Christina Herrick. “I’m so lucky to have had a chance to work with Tom. His passion for the fresh produce industry is infectious and he’s been a fantastic teammate.”

“I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to work with Tom and learn from his insights and his extensive knowledge of the industry,” said Wayne Hardy, content manager and copy editor for The Packer. “He’s a great colleague who means a lot to us at The Packer, but I’m glad he’ll get to enjoy a well-deserved retirement after such an impressive and dedicated career.”

“Although I’ve only worked with Tom for a short time,
his patient demeanor, helpful attitude and vast experience helped me feel at home with The Packer immediately,” said Jill Dutton, associate editor for The Packer. “I always knew he was available to share his 40 years of expertise when needed. His kindness and wisdom have made a lasting impact. He’ll be missed.”