About

Helping Almond Growers Thrive

Truth is Our Top Priority


Our team strives to communicate openly and honestly. With integrity at the heart of our work, we believe that truth facilitates success throughout every step of the almond handling process, from harvesting to packing.

  • Chosen as one of the best places to work in Stanislaus County
  • Sending two employees per year to the VOLT Institute in Modesto to strengthen leadership skills

Transparency is Our Standard


We care about doing the right thing—for our customers, key stakeholders and the environment including:

  • Adhering to Good Agricultural Practices, with many of our growers working toward becoming Global G.A.P. Certified
  • Recycling plant materials such as plastic cabin liners, plastic stockpile tarps, and unused packaging supplies
  • Eliminating paper waste by keeping all records and communications digital

Trust Earned Through Experience


We go above and beyond the USDA grades, challenging ourselves to set new food safety and quality standards. If a problem arises, our team collaborates with our customers to create a solution.

  • SQF II, Kosher, OMRI, CCAGA certified
  • California Almond Stewardship Program participant

Learn more about partnering with us by reaching out to sales@montevistafarming.com.

A Legacy of Leadership

In 1985, Monte Vista Farming Company (MVFC) joined the almond handling business. Founder Jim Crecelius quickly saw a better, more secure way for almonds to be processed. If growers could market and own their crops until sales were complete, they would be protected from the financial risks of crop pooling.

This system—now known as the Grower Select Marketing System—provides growers with more stability and confidence than ever before. At MVFC, we still offer this system for growers who want a high level of detail and transparency in their operation. Alongside this service, we also support seasonal grower pool marketing systems to the same high standards.

As the original grower-controlled almond marketing system, Mr. Crecelius’s creation honors the hard-earned value of growers’ annual farming efforts while propelling the industry forward.

Today, MVFC almonds are packaged and marketed under the California Royale Brand®—indicating premium quality in the industry. Almonds grown by MVFC and its network of independent growers are proudly sold in more than 20 countries worldwide. The success of the brand is a testament to its strong foundation, built by Mr. Crecelius and maintained by MVFC’s talented team. With integrity, accountability, and sustainability as guides, MVFC continues to set the standard of excellence in the almond handling industry.

We’re Pioneering Premium Quality Together

Best described as diligent and dedicated, the MVFC team consists of over 130 almond industry experts. We take pride in our work, placing honesty and quality above all else. We’ll collaborate with you to create the best product possible—because for our team, no goal is out of reach.

Jonathan Hoff

Jonathan Hoff

As a third-generation almond farmer from Ripon, CA, CEO Jonathan Hoff spent countless hours on the ranch as a child. He started working with his father at the family processing plant as a teenager—which introduced him to the ins and outs of the industry early on. After earning a bachelor’s degree in crop science and agriculture business at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Hoff returned to MVFC to help his father in 2004 as a Ranch Manager, later becoming CEO. His focus is on expanding MVFC’s reach in order to enhance the value of the almond crop for growers and customers, both domestic and abroad.

Mark Lampe

Mark Lampe

Mark Lampe has been the CFO of MVFC since late 2021. With a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, and an MBA from Creighton University, Lampe knows how to help businesses thrive. His previous experience as COO of Pacha Soap Co., Advisor at AmpliFi Capital Corp., and Senior Director of Finance at Conagra Brands equipped him with the experience he needed to strengthen MVFC’s profile.

Ian Darling

Ian Darling

Director of Sales Ian Darling grew up among corn, soybeans, and wheat on his family’s farm in southeastern Michigan. After studying physics and economics at Michigan State University, he worked for Summit Premium Tree Nuts as a Sales Analyst, honing his skills by improving grower insights and finding new leads. After returning to Michigan State University to earn his MBA, he joined the MVFC team. Darling hopes to bring the most value possible to MVFC’s growers by providing the highest quality product and service.

Ken Peelman

Ken Peelman

Ken Peelman, Director of Grower Relations, was born and raised in Kerman, CA, where his family has farmed almonds, grapes, corn, and winter forage for four generations. Peelman has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from California State University, Fresno, which led him to work as a PCA/CCA with Kerman Ag Resources from 2008 to 2013. After leaving Helena Chemical in 2021, Ken joined the team to build on MVFC’s long-standing foundation of stellar service, transparency, and sustainability.

Rian Koetsier

Rian Koetsier

Growing up in Farmington, CA, Ranch Manager Rian Koetsier was immersed in the farming community at a young age. His connection to the land and sustainable agriculture—cultivated via working at his father’s almond orchards—led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural systems management at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. After gaining experience at Van Groningen Orchards, Koetsier is now a member of the Fulcrum Farm Services team, where he is committed to helping growers optimize their operations through streamlined management.