10 Years of Growing in a Better Way
By Patrick McCullough, CEO @ ProducePay
Ten years ago, ProducePay was born from a bold and simple idea: to help farmers thrive through pre-harvest working capital. It wasn’t conceived in a Wall Street boardroom or a Silicon Valley brainstorm—it started in the fields, inspired by the real challenges farmers face every day. Our founder, Pablo Borquez Schwarzbeck, had the courage to turn his vision into a reality, and for that, I am forever thankful.
What began as a solution to improve farmers’ cash flow has grown into a mission-driven global company. Today, ProducePay operates in more than 20 countries, serving growers, marketers, and retailers throughout the fresh produce supply chain. While our origins lay in providing financial solutions, our purpose has expanded significantly, focused on tackling some of agriculture’s most pressing challenges: reducing market volatility, eliminating food waste, cutting carbon emissions, and building a more predictable, efficient, and sustainable supply chain.
Personally, I’ve had the privilege of being part of this extraordinary journey for the last four years—two as a member of the Board and the last two as CEO. During this time, I’ve come to understand that what truly sets ProducePay apart is not just our mission—it’s our community. Our success is found in the dedication of our passionate team, the unwavering belief of our farmers and partners, and the joint commitment to a shared vision.
When I reflect on the last decade, I am struck by ProducePay’s immense impact—not only on farmers but also on the broader industry. Our work has empowered countless growers to invest in their future, secure access to top retailers, and achieve stability in an unpredictable market. At the same time, we’ve pioneered innovations that help reduce waste and improve sustainability, while paving the way for a more secure supply chain.
Of course, our work is far from over. With each passing year, the challenges grow more complex, and the stakes become higher. Climate change, market volatility, and food security in a world growing to 10 billion people remain pressing issues that demand bold solutions. But we are optimistic.
We believe there is a way to not only fulfill Pablo’s original mission of supporting farmers and reducing waste but also to fundamentally transform the global supply chain, and how produce is bought and sold—making it more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all.
As we look to the future, we are determined to lead the charge in addressing market volatility, creating stability, and ensuring that future generations have access to a sustainable food supply. Today, we see a real chance to feed the world sustainably.
Ten years is an incredible milestone, but it’s just the beginning. The next decade holds even greater promise. Thank you to everyone who has believed in us, supported us, and shared in our journey. Together, we will continue to create a better future for farmers, the planet, and food security for generations to come.