The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) began its new fiscal year on Monday, March 11, during the Annual Membership Breakfast at the 88th Annual Meeting, which took place at The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay. The event featured the election of the Board of Directors and chairwoman, as well as industry and committee updates.
Chairwoman Melissa Frank with outgoing chair Wayde Kirschenman.
The Board of Directors is made up of 31 people from operations located across California. Melissa Frank (Wonderful Orchards) was elected as chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the 2024/25 fiscal year. The organization's officers are nominated to serve for one year and selected by a committee of past Board Chairs. The full slate of officers includes:
- Chair: Melissa Frank (Wonderful Orchards) – Kern County-based diversified farming operation.
- First vice chair: Casey Jones (Sun Valley Packing) – Reedley-based stone fruit grower and shipper.
- Secretary/treasurer: Louis Pandol (Pandol Bros, Inc.) – Delano-based fresh table grape shipper.
The meeting began on Sunday, March 10, with the chairman's Welcome Reception. California's Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis joined attendees as the special guest of the evening where she spoke about the importance of California agriculture.
Lt. Governor California's Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis at the Chairman's Welcome Reception.
The association honored past CFFA chairman Louis Pandol with the prestigious Mentor's Award, which is bestowed to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the fresh grape, berry and tree fruit communities through their leadership in the industry.
Additionally, CFFA and the California Table Grape Commission honored Domenick "Cookie" Bianco with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given to an individual whose pioneering spirit and demonstrated inventiveness throughout their career, inspired others and positively influenced the industry.
This year featured two days of industry workshops where conversations were focused on agricultural technology, leadership versus management practices and an update on California's Card Check labor law.
The Louis Pandol Mentors' Award.
With over 200 people in attendance, the meeting provided the opportunity for membership to gather before the 2024 harvest season. Association leadership and staff look forward to serving the fresh fruit industry throughout the 2024/25 fiscal year.
For more information:
Courtney Razor
California Fresh Fruit Association
Tel: +1 (559) 859-4960
crazor@cafreshfruit.com
www.cafreshfruit.com