CASTROVILLE, Calif. – (February 2, 2009) – While numerous companies in and out of the agriculture industry announce a myriad of changes to counter the effects of the dwindling economy, Ocean Mist Farms is doing so with sights set on future growth.

Ed Boutonnet, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Ocean Mist Farms stated “Much of our succession planning is generational and designed to mentor family members and others to take the helm and successfully carry our company well into the future.” “We have been very fortunate in our success over several generations, and we are preparing the next generation to carry on the tradition.”

On January 30, 2009 Ocean Mist Farms proudly announced to its employees the following changes:

* New Board Member Mark Reasons, representing the Pieri/Reasons family. Mark’s father, Don Reasons, will continue to attend Board meetings as a mentor;
* Troy Boutonnet, new Board Member, representing Boutonnet Farms;
* John Harrington remaining on the Board, representing Bengard Ranches, who will mentor Tom A. Bengard;
* Les Tottino continuing on the Board to represent the Tottino Family; and
* Ed Boutonnet remaining as Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of the company, representing Sea Mist Farms.

In addition to the five ownership Board Members, Roberta Cook, Ph.D., Marketing Economist with the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at University of California, Davis, will continue on the Board as an outside Director. The Board will consider electing another outside representative later in the year, bringing the total Board Members to seven.

“Most of the news we are hearing lately is about companies making changes to get through these tough economic times,” Boutonnet said. “Ocean Mist Farms is a strong, viable company that continues to do well during these challenging times, and our succession planning has us poised for continued growth and success”. “The past, current and future success of Ocean Mist Farms cannot be acknowledged without giving recognition to our employees” Boutonnet said. “Their unwavering dedication and commitment speaks volumes.”

To help drive Ocean Mist Farms’ future direction, the Board was pleased to announce the promotion of Joe Pezzini, Vice President of Operations to Chief Operating Officer. Joe will be responsible for strategic planning while retaining his current responsibilities overseeing Operations and Human Resources. “Joe is a true champion of Ocean Mist Farms, a leader who is keenly suited to help plan and direct our growth and success,” Boutonnet said.

Since 1924, family owned Ocean Mist Farms has pioneered the commercial planting and shipping of artichokes and fresh vegetables. Today, Ocean Mist Farms is recognized as the largest artichoke operation in the United States. Through this enduring legacy Ocean Mist Farms’ commitment to high quality product and superior service has never wavered. Commitment to its customers has always dictated a continuous emphasis on quality assurance from soil to consumer. Ocean Mist Farms has maintained its leadership position as a quality grower and shipper of a wide variety of fresh produce, based on consistent standards of excellence in all aspects of its business. With satellite operations in Coachella Valley, Huron, Imperial Valley and Oxnard, California; Yuma, Arizona, and Mexico, the closely held corporation has long led the industry in farming practices, field packing, cooling technology and innovative packaging.