Field Agronomist & Produce Sourcing Specialist

The client is a leading distributor and supplier of premium-quality fresh fruits and vegetables, connecting smallholder and commercial growers with high-demand markets. They focus on ensuring farm-fresh produce reaches clients with maximum quality, traceability, and minimal post-harvest loss.

The Field Agronomist & Produce Sourcing Specialist will act as the company's on-ground representative. This role is crucial for securing a steady supply of high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables by engaging directly with farmers. Responsibilities include scouting and acquiring new farm vendors, negotiating procurement terms, planning seasonal supply, and establishing out-grower networks. The specialist will also provide essential agronomic advice, conduct field audits to ensure GAP compliance, and train farmers on post-harvest loss prevention techniques. Furthermore, the role involves rigorous quality assurance, including pre-dispatch inspections and implementing traceability protocols to meet food safety and regulatory standards.

1. Regularly visit farms and agricultural regions to identify, evaluate, and onboard reputable farmers and commercial growers of fresh fruits and vegetables.
2. Negotiate farm-gate pricing, supply volumes, and harvest schedules to meet market demand while maintaining cost efficiency.
3. Build seasonal supply projections for key produce lines and establish out-grower networks to secure consistent, year-round inventory.
4. Conduct pre-harvest inspections to ensure farm management practices align with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), minimum residue limits (MRLs), and client quality standards.
5. Provide technical agronomic advice to partner farmers regarding soil nutrition, pest and disease management, irrigation schedules, and optimal harvesting windows.
6. Train farmers and field harvesters on proper harvesting techniques, handling, sorting, and field-level cooling/packaging to protect shelf life.
7. Inspect harvested fruits and vegetables at the field level prior to dispatch to ensure strict adherence to weight, color, size, and defect specifications.
8. Implement traceability protocols to track produce back to specific farm locations and harvest batches.
9. Monitor pest and chemical residue risks, ensuring all sourced produce meets regulatory and food safety requirements.

1. Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture, or a closely related field.
2. Minimum of 3–5 years of practical experience in field agronomy, fresh produce sourcing, or commercial horticulture management.
3. Demonstrated track record of farm-level procurement, negotiating with farmers/out growers, and managing supply chains for perishable fruits and vegetables.
4. Strong understanding of fruit and vegetable pest/disease profiles, harvest maturity indices, soil chemistry, and post-harvest handling.
5. Valid driving/riding license and willingness to travel extensively to rural farms, agricultural zones, and packhouses.
6. Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills for building trust with local farming communities.
7. High level of integrity and ability to work independently in remote field settings.
8. Strong problem-solving ability under tight deadlines and perishable timelines.