GONZALES — Tanimura and Antle Communications Manager Quincie Gourley of Gonzales has been named to the Fruit and Vegetable 40 Under Forty Class of 2025 by the Vegetable Growers News.
Gourley was honored at the Great Lakes Vegetable and Farm Market Expo at Grand Rapids, Mich., in December.
Gourley is the 20-year-old daughter of Tina and Matt Gourley and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural communications from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly).
“I was genuinely surprised and incredibly honored to be selected as part of this year’s Fruit and Vegetable Growers Under 40 class,” Gourley said. “With more than 100 nominees across the industry, it means a great deal to know that someone took the time to nominate me and that the selection committee chose me as one of the 40 recipients.”
The 40 Under Forty award recognizes young leaders that are making an impact on the produce industry.
Gourley has been with Tanimura and Antle for a little over two years and has worked in the produce industry for six years. She was first introduced to agriculture through her involvement with 4-H.
“My goals are centered around advocacy, storytelling and mentorship within agriculture,” she said. “I want to continue championing the industry through community involvement and organizations like Central Coast Young Farmers and Ranchers, while also helping bring awareness to the western and rodeo way of life through my involvement with the California Rodeo Salinas.”
Gourley said she is grateful to her parents for setting an example early on and encouraging her to get involved in the community and giving back.
“Those values continue to guide my personal life,” she noted.
Professionally, Gourley said she is passionate about sharing the stories of the Salinas Valley agriculture in the “Salad Bowl of the World” and “helping bridge the gap between agriculture and those who may not be familiar with where their food comes from.”
“I also place a strong emphasis on mentoring youth and highlighting the wide range of career paths available with agriculture,” she added. “If I can help tell the stories of agriculturalists and the communities we produce in a way that educates and connects people, I consider that a meaningful impact and a true success.”
