Kay Filice

Filice Farms LP
Hollister, California

Words to live by

"If you think you can or you can't, you are probably right."

Farm

Filice Farms

Filice Farms grows apricots, cherries, onions, peppers, tomatoes and leafy greens in Hollister, California.

From Iowa to California

Kay Filice broke away from Iowa farmlands in the mid-70’s, moving to San Francisco to begin a career in sales and marketing. Soon after she met and married Chuck Filice, a San Benito County grower, she found herself back in farm country, working on the family farm and growing apricots, cherries, onions, peppers, tomatoes and leafy greens.

Chuck Filice was a second generation farmer with an unequaled passion for agriculture. He loved the land, the challenge and the purpose of his job. While Chuck managed the day-to-day operations of their family farm, Kay focused on their family’s apricot production and spent her summers overseeing the harvesting, drying, processing and packing of dried apricots. In 1998 Chuck passed away following a battle with cancer. Kay’s choice regarding the farm became clear: remain in business or let it go. After considering her husband’s passion for the farm and the many dedicated employees that would have to be let go, Kay decided to carry on Chuck’s vision and lead the business with the help of many dedicated employees.

Passion

Kay shares her late husband’s passion for growing and has also dedicated her time to promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables to achieve a healthy lifestyle. “Every day is a privilege. Knowing I’m growing nutritious food for our communities gives me a wonderful take on life,” said Filice. “The commodities we produce improve the health of the American public. We have the opportunity, as an industry, to develop and frame our message to educate people about the tremendous health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables.”

Kay is also a strong advocate of agricultural education and promoting professional prospects to youth. “There are tremendous opportunities in agriculture, particularly in California specialty crops,” said Filice. “As our industry changes and technology advances the opportunities will only multiply. As an industry it’s our responsibility to encourage and inspire the next generation to become involved.”

Getting the Word Out

When Kay isn’t working at Filice Farms, she is busy volunteering. She is on the board of HELP: Healthy Eating Lifestyle Principles, founded to encourage healthy living, combat obesity and increase the consumption of fresh produce. She also serves on the board of Ag Against Hunger, an organization that provides surplus produce to food banks in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties and beyond. In addition, Kay is a member of the San Benito County YMCA Board of Directors, and has been an active member of the Kinship Center Adoption and Foster Care Program for twenty five years.

Personal

Kay Filice is president and owner of Filice Farms in Hollister, Calif. She has three sons who currently are working in politics, construction (Habitat for Humanity), and economics – all disciplines which could easily complement farming. She and her extended family enjoy traveling to places that lend themselves to a little action: skiing in Telluride, snorkeling in Hawaii and exploring the cultures of Europe.