Expert Spotlight: Tommy Van Groningen

Tommy Van Groningen - Ripon, CA

If you’ve ever wondered how Certis Biologicals supports growers across California and Nevada with sustainable crop protection solutions, you’ll find the answer in the work of Tommy Van Groningen, Regional Sales Manager for the North Coast, Central Valley, and Nevada.

Tommy plays a vital role in strengthening Certis Biologicals’ presence across the western United States. Drawing on his years of experience as a Pest Control Advisor and Head Agronomist, he works closely with PCAs, retailers, and growers to deliver proven biological tools that enhance crop health and performance. By building trusted partnerships and helping growers integrate innovative, sustainable solutions, Tommy ensures Certis Biologicals continues to make a lasting impact in agriculture throughout the region.

What is your role at Certis Biologicals, and how long have
you been in it?

I joined Certis Biologicals in April 2024 and currently serve as the Regional Sales Manager for the North Coast, Central Valley, and Nevada. Before joining Certis, I spent eight years as a Pest Control Advisor and Head Agronomist for my cousins’ 4,000-acre operation.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to work at Certis?

Coming from a production agriculture background, I started out as a field checker and eventually managed irrigation and fertility programs across thousands of acres. That hands-on experience gave me a deep appreciation for the challenges growers face every day. Joining Certis felt like a natural next step, a chance to apply my agronomic knowledge while helping growers succeed through innovative, sustainable solutions.

What drew you to the biologicals/agriculture industry?

The challenge. Working with biologicals presents a unique opportunity to shift perspectives. Many still view OMRI-approved products as being only for organic growers. Through trials, data, and proven results, I have the opportunity to show conventional growers how these tools can enhance all cropping systems—organic and conventional alike.

What are your biggest professional goals for the next
five years?

A major goal of mine is to continue growing Certis’ reputation and influence throughout the region. Personally, I want to be someone trusted by those in the field, someone whose word means something. Earning that level of trust from retailers and growers is what drives me every day.

Looking back at your career so far, what accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Starting as a field checker and working my way up to overseeing irrigation and fertility for thousands of acres taught me the value of hard work and persistence. Joining Certis was a big step in my career, and looking back, I see the same kind of growth happening here as I continue to take on new challenges.

What are the most critical responsibilities in your role?

My most important responsibility is to the PCAs and growers I work with. Every recommendation I make comes from a place of doing what’s best for them and their crops. Their success is my priority.

How do you collaborate with other departments or teams across the company?

I regularly collaborate with Jeremy Wagnitz in Field Development to answer technical questions and to run trials that evaluate the most effective treatments for common pest and disease issues.
With Marketing, I stay in touch to ensure we’re keeping our customers informed about the latest developments and product insights. I rely on their expertise to help communicate product benefits, whether for new launches or existing solutions that address ongoing challenges.
I also connect often with other Regional Sales Managers to share ideas, compare experiences, and learn what’s working in different regions so I can better serve my customers.

What’s a behind-the-scenes part of your work that people may not know about?

Many people don’t realize how closely I work with the Marketing team. They’re the ones who make everything look polished and professional, but I’m the one feeding them updates from the field. If something you see feels especially relevant to an issue you’re facing, there’s a good chance that insight came directly from conversations I’ve had with growers like you.

What product are you most excited about?

Howler® EVO. It’s an impressive product that helps the plant help itself by triggering natural responses, all while providing three modes of action against fungal diseases. I’ve seen it perform consistently well across a wide range of crops and disease pressures, making it a truly unique and valuable tool for growers.

If you could swap jobs with anyone at Certis for a day, who would it be and why?

I’d swap with Dave Silva, Regional Sales Manager for the Coast and Hawaii, mainly because I wouldn’t mind spending a day in Hawaii! 

What are you most passionate about outside of work?

Traveling and playing golf, though I’ll admit my golf game is way below average.

Whether it’s building trusted relationships, supporting PCAs and retailers, or helping growers integrate sustainable solutions into their operations, Tommy’s work ensures that Certis Biologicals continues to make a meaningful impact across California and Nevada. We’re grateful for the experience, integrity, and dedication he brings to advancing biological solutions and supporting grower success throughout the region.

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About Certis Biologicals

Certis Biologicals is the leading developer, manufacturer, and distributor of biological innovation such as biofungicides, bioinsecticides, bionematicides, bioherbicides, and plant health-promoting products, servicing the agriculture, turf, greenhouse, home, and garden markets globally. With a proven, broad portfolio of products and a continuous pursuit of new solutions for conventional and organic production, Certis Biologicals is a leader and partner in sustainable crop production trusted by farmers in the U.S. and more than 50 countries across the world. To learn more about Certis Biologicals and their portfolio of proven solutions, visit  CertisBio.com.