Faces of Semios is our series putting the spotlight on the incredible people behind Semios — the folks out in the field every day, building relationships and helping growers thrive. We sit down with a Semios team member to learn a little more about what drives them, both professionally and personally.

Meet Dominic Fanucchi

Raised in a Bakersfield pistachio farming family, Dominic grew up surrounded by conversations about the production and business side of growing crops, and whatever challenges the next season might bring. He learned early that the best way to understand farming was to listen and soak up everything he could.

After a stint outside of ag, Dominic realized how much he missed this industry’s people and purpose, and found his way back. Today as Semios’ Southern California Territory Manager, he brings that same curiosity and respect for growers to his work at Semios, helping them make more informed decisions and protect their crops.

Join us as we catch up with Dominic on his roots in agriculture and his journey back to the industry.

What was it like growing up in Bakersfield in a pistachio farming family?

I was constantly surrounded by extremely knowledgeable farmers and people in the farming business. Family gatherings always consisted of discussing the latest developments throughout the year in the crop or what the challenges were coming in the future.

For the early part of my upbringing, as well as the start of my professional career, I tried to be a sponge to soak up any and all knowledge I could. I often listened more than I spoke. Discussions covered all aspects of farming and the industries around it: business, finance, water, mechanics, hunting, fishing and so much more. No matter who I was talking with, I wanted to try and learn something from the conversation.

What was your earliest memory of being around farming?

My earliest memory of being around farming is visiting my grandparents’ pistachio orchard when I was around six. I was tagging along with my dad and grandpa to help cut firewood and check on the trees. I was hooked from that point forward. The smell of cut wood and the roaring of the chainsaw was so alluring. Seeing tractors running and hearing their diesel engines chug along always caught my attention.

When asked in 1st grade “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, I wrote in sloppy handwriting “I want to be a farmer just like my grandpa.”

How did your upbringing shape how you see the ag industry today?

My upbringing gave me a real look into what it takes to be successful in the ag industry. The level of commitment, due diligence and humility required to last in this industry is very special. You have to be committed to ensure you cover all your bases, perform due diligence to make the best educated decision possible, and be humble when mother nature throws you for a loop and things don’t go as planned. I learned to be forward thinking, but nothing can replace boots in the field.

You worked alongside your dad and grandpa in the farm management business. What was a valuable lesson you learned from that experience?

No matter how much experience or knowledge you have, you can always learn more. Every year brings a new challenge and new opportunities to solve problems and learn.

What was your career journey like before joining Semios?

I was always captivated by agriculture and wanted to be involved. The stories I was told growing up painted a wild west picture in my mind: the business of rolling the dice with mother nature and doing everything you could to give yourself an edge in that bet.

As I began my career, the talk was about headwinds for the future of farming in California, the regulations, changing weather patterns, rising input costs and water troubles. I wanted to get a feel for business in a different industry and form new perspectives, so I left ag to join the construction industry, selling and renting equipment. I was fascinated by the way capital was allocated and how work was coordinated to pull something out of the mind of an architect and engineer, to then coordinate all the necessary steps to see it built by dedicated teams of skilled tradeworkers.

What is it about agriculture that pulled you back?

What pulled me back is the feeling of purpose being involved in cultivating food to feed the world, as well as the sense of camaraderie and collaboration in ag. Although I am not in the production side as I once was in my current position, I feel a sense of joy helping growers make the most informed decisions and protect their crops from pests and disease. I didn’t realize how deeply I cared about ag until I left it.

How does your background shape the way you support growers today?

I was able to experience the grower side of the sales process, and know the type of people I enjoyed working with and the type I didn’t. I take that experience and strive to give growers and customers the best possible experience working with Semios.

You studied plant science at Bakersfield College. How does that technical knowledge compare with what you learned first-hand working with your family?

Sometimes doing it by the book isn’t realistic.

What’s something growers are juggling that people outside ag don’t always realize?

How many decisions need to be made and how much information needs to be collected, over the course of a year.

Is there anything outside of work you’re especially passionate about?

I am passionate about learning about complex ideas and problems, and trying to answer hard questions. I am interested in farming, mechanics, IT/tech, philosophy and politics.

I also went through the American Pistachio Growers (APG) LeadOn program in 2024-2025, which exposed me to all aspects of the pistachio industry from research, production, processing, marketing, legislative and regulatory work. Prior to joining the program, I had a narrow view of what it took to keep a commodity industry running full speed. The amount of bright and talented people working on all fronts to promote American grown pistachios was exciting to see. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from my classmates as well as all the field trips and presenters from the pistachio industry. It was a very eye-opening experience and a time I cherish.

What’s the perfect weekend for you?

Fishing, cooking and grilling, going to Mass on Sunday, and spending time with my family over home-cooked meals.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Always do what you say you’re going to do.

Rapid fire

• What’s your superpower: Patience amid chaos
• Favorite way to unwind: Fishing, hunting and enjoying the outdoors with my family

• Favorite season in the field: Harvest!
• If you could grow anything in your backyard, what would it be: A mango tree
• Most miles you’ve driven in a week during peak season: 1,500+
• Food/drink you can’t say no to: Blue cheese, garlic and lamb chops

• Favorite sport growing up: Baseball
• Favorite music: 90s country
• Your favorite quote: “Siempre adelante, nunca atrás” (Always forward, never back) - Saint Junípero Serra
• If you weren’t in ag, what would you be doing: Working to restore American manufacturing

Connect with Dominic

Interested in learning how Semios can support your operations? Dominic is here to help. Get in touch today.