David Gill

David Gill is a 1972 graduate in crop science. Gill is a fourth-generation farmer who started his own farm shortly after graduation and in 1979 founded Rio Farms with his brother Steven Gill, who is also a Cal Poly alumnus. In 1983, the brothers formed Gills Onions, one of the largest and most innovative fresh-cut onion processing plants in the world. Rio Farms grows a variety of crops including lettuce, spring mix, spinach, cauliflower and peppers. Combined, Gill’s two farms rank among the top 10 growers in the Western United States. Gill is active in numerous industry organizations including Western Growers, California Farm Bureau Federation and the Produce Marketing Association. In 2017, Western Growers honored Gill with their Award of Honor, the organization’s most prestigious award, in recognition of his extensive contributions to the agricultural community. Gill is active in the planning and programming for the Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences’ new Plant Sciences Complex. An avid golfer, he is the chairman of the board for First Tee of Monterey County and a strong supporter of King City Young Farmers, Boy Scouts of America and Future Farmers of America.