About Planet Harvest

Planet Harvest is a

Profit-for-Purpose

produce company on a mission to improve the fresh produce supply chain

Our innovative, whole harvest solutions are designed to maximize the amount of fresh produce that makes it from our nation’s farms to our communities’ tables—simply by eliminating waste, resolving inefficiencies, and seizing every opportunity to optimize within the supply chain.

Planet Harvest’s leadership team brings decades of deep experience in the agriculture, farming, dairy, and logistics industries, which has enabled us to build an extensive network of like-minded partners across the United States.

Meet Our

Founding Team

Melissa
Melshenker Ackerman

Founder & CEO

Melissa Melshenker Ackerman is the former President of Produce Alliance, one of the country’s largest produce management, procurement, and consulting companies. During her time in this role, she spearheaded the company’s work as the USDA’s prime contractor for their Farmers to Families Food Box Program, which delivered fresh food to hungry families across the nation—and helped farmers maintain their operations—during the early and uncertain days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Her experience leading this important initiative inspired her to start Planet Harvest with a simple goal: to optimize the fresh produce supply chain and increase consumption of fresh produce.

Sarah
Baird

Chief of Staff

Sarah Baird is a passionate marketing and operations executive with nearly 25 years of expertise in the food industry. Her career has been marked by a deep commitment to supporting dairy farmers, where she spent nearly two decades driving initiatives that expanded access to and consumption of dairy products. Now, Sarah is channeling her experience and enthusiasm into the produce industry, focused on ensuring the next generation has access to nutrient-rich foods. She is eager to forge and grow strategic partnerships that fuel innovation across the supply chain, while championing the sustainable benefits of consuming the “whole harvest.”

Cagney
Kobrin

VP of Supply Chain

Cagney Kobrin is the VP of Supply Chain at Planet Harvest, with nearly 15 years of experience in the agricultural and food rescue sectors. Starting his career in non-profits, Cagney has always been driven by a passion for giving back. Over the years, he’s built strong relationships with growers across the country and is known for his ability to consistently hit targets. A natural communicator, Cagney focuses on strategic partnerships that lead to impressive results. Whether it’s taking on new projects or finding innovative ways to enhance the supply chain, Cagney is committed to making a positive impact.

Meet Our

Board of Advisors

We are honored to have a growing Board of Advisors helping to ready Planet Harvest for the future.

Their combined expertise drives our mission to revolutionize the food industry with innovative, sustainable solutions. From seasoned retail executives shaping consumer trends to experienced distributors optimizing supply chains, and dedicated produce sourcing experts ensuring quality, to visionary growers cultivating the future of agriculture – our advisors provide invaluable insights and guidance.

Together, they steer our strategic direction, fostering growth and delivering exceptional value to our partners and customers.

Rich Gonzales

President of Cal-Organic Operations, Grimmway Farms

Mayda Sotomayor-Kirk

CEO Greenyard USA / Seald Sweet

Nick Sannito

Director Merchandising Bakery Deli Food Service, Target

Ted Katsiroubas

CEO Katsiroubas Bros

Julie Klaff

Partner, Origami Capital Partners, LLC

Dr. Lisa Johnson

Independent Consultant

Raina Nelson

President & CEO, Westfalia Fruit USA

Abby Prior

CCO Bright Farms

Let’s Improve the Supply Chain Together

We’re always looking for like-minded partners and allies to help us reduce waste and resolve inefficiencies in the fresh produce supply chain. Get in touch if you’re ready to join forces!