California Ag Network

Tag: California Citrus Mutual

  • California Citrus Mutual Names Tom Danowski as New CEO

    California Citrus Mutual (CCM) announced the selection of Tom Danowski as its new CEO following a search conducted by the CCM Board of Directors.

    Danowski brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience spanning agriculture, advocacy, trade association management and marketing to the job. More recently, he served for 13 years as President and CEO of the Oregon Wine Board and Oregon Winegrowers Association. During his tenure, he helped drive the Oregon wine industry’s total annual economic impact from $2.7 billion to $8 billion through industry collaboration, strategic advocacy and public policy work.

    “We are excited to welcome Tom to California Citrus Mutual,” said Julia Inestroza, CCM Board Chair. “The Board was looking for a leader with strong agricultural and advocacy experience who could help guide our organization into the future. With Tom’s leadership, experience working with growers, and ability to build strong relationships with policymakers, we are confident he will be a great leader for CCM and California’s citrus industry.”

    Danowski said he was drawn to the opportunity because of California citrus’s reputation and the organization’s strong leadership.

    “Citrus is one of California’s most iconic agricultural industries. California citrus has an outstanding reputation, and CCM has a highly respected Board of Directors and a dedicated team working on behalf of growers, said Danowski. “It’s an exciting opportunity to bring what I’ve learned from another premium specialty crop industry and apply it to helping California citrus continue to thrive.”

    “I look forward to building on the tremendous work already underway, continuing the energy and vision that have made California citrus so successful, and helping lawmakers and policymakers develop an even deeper understanding of the industry’s importance to California agriculture and our economy,” he continued.

    Ryan Young of Sun Pacific, who served on the CEO Search Committee, said the Board was intentional in finding a leader with the right blend of advocacy experience and executive leadership.

    “After an extensive and thoughtful search process, it became clear that Tom possesses the qualities we are looking for. He understands grower-funded organizations, has a strong track record of working with government leaders, and has successfully led a major agricultural trade association through significant growth and change,” said Young.

    As CEO, Danowski will lead CCM’s advocacy efforts on behalf of California citrus growers at the state and federal levels while overseeing the organization’s membership services, communications, industry partnerships, and strategic initiatives. He will officially begin his role as CEO on Sept. 1.

  • California Citrus Mutual Welcomes FDA Update to Orange Juice Standard

    California Citrus Mutual (CCM) recently welcomed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to update the federal standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice. The action marks the first significant revision to the standard in more than 60 years and takes effect Aug.19.

    Under the revised standard, orange juice will be permitted to contain up to 15% juice from mandarins and mandarin hybrids while still being labeled orange juice. The rule also adjusts the minimum sugar-content threshold, known as the Brix level, to reflect current growing conditions. Together, the changes bring the decades-old standard in line with today’s citrus industry and strengthen the domestic juice supply.

    The FDA reviewed consumer sensory data during its rulemaking process and concluded that the change will not alter how consumers perceive orange juice. The agency found the update preserves the taste and quality consumers expect while giving domestic producers greater flexibility and reducing reliance on imported juice.

    CCM supported the update through the FDA’s public rulemaking process, submitting comments in favor of the change and working with members of Congress to advance it. The petitions that prompted the rule were led by Florida’s citrus industry, whose growers have faced production challenges from disease and severe weather.

    “The California citrus industry thanks the FDA for updating the orange juice standard and allowing the blending of complementary citrus varieties,” said Jacob Villagomez, CCM Director of Governmental Affairs. “This decision supports domestic juice production, reduces reliance on imports, and ensures consumers continue receiving the quality and flavor they expect.”

    The change is expected to create new opportunities for California growers, who produce large volumes of mandarins and mandarin hybrids. California is predominantly a fresh-market supplier, and the higher blending allowance opens a stronger processing outlet for fruit that does not reach the fresh market. Mandarins have become an increasingly important part of California’s citrus production.

    CCM appreciates the FDA’s willingness to update a decades-old regulation through a science-based process that benefits growers, processors, and consumers alike. — Story contributed by California Citrus Mutual

  • WUSATA Offers Assistance to Growers on the Global Market

    Growers looking to showcase and export their products face numerous hurdles and challenges, but the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) is working with growers to get their products onto the international market. Hayden Romig from WUSATA spoke with Matthew Malcolm of Malcolm Media Ag Publishing to discuss the work his organization does. Watch this quick video and learn on California Ag Network.

  • California Citrus Breeding Program Receives Additional Congressional Support

    California Citrus Mutual (CCM) and Citrus Research Board (CRB) voiced support for the House Committee on Appropriations for including additional funds in the FY 2027 Agriculture Appropriations bill for the citrus breeding program in Parlier.

    Congress is allocating an additional $500,000 in federal funding, on top of the $1.5 million previously granted, to expand the program into California. If approved, the program will receive $2 million in federal funds annually, in addition to the funding it receives from CRB.

    “CRB was instrumental in developing the concept for the California-based program and was also involved in efforts to establish the nationwide program, while CCM advocated to secure funding,” said CRB President Marcy Martin. “Our two organizations working together on behalf of the industry have been instrumental in getting this program off the ground.”

    “I would like to thank our Appropriators and Committee leadership for their continued support of this vital program,” said CCM Director of Governmental Affairs Jacob Villagomez. “Finding solutions for California-specific growing patterns is an essential tool in fighting HLB for years to come.”

    The California citrus breeding program will focus on fresh market citrus. Funding will go towards research and development of citrus selections suited to California growing regions, changing climatic pressures, consumer taste preferences and resistance to pests and diseases, such as huanglongbing.

    The California program is an expansion of the existing national USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) citrus breeding program located in Fort Pierce, Florida, which is focused primarily on varieties optimized for Florida growing conditions. Work done through the Florida program has resulted in new varieties with higher yields, increased disease resistance, improved color, and a longer shelf life.

    The Florida and California breeding programs, along with the continued support from the University of California citrus breeding program at UC Riverside, will work together to deliver results for California-based growers.

    The California citrus breeding program is located at the USDA ARS field station in Parlier. Thanks to ongoing appropriations commitment, forward progress continues to be made with the addition of a dedicated scientist, completion of a greenhouse, and future plans for laboratory and office space, and hopefully securing additional ground for further expansion.

    — Story contributed by California Citrus Mutual and Citrus Research Board

  • Citrus Season Update

    Citrus growers in California are seeing an early bloom with unprecedented warm weather, and are experiencing challenges with tariffs and trade issues. However, the mood remains optimistic. Julia Inestroza, Board Chair for the California Mutual, spoke with Matthew Malcolm of California Ag Network to discuss the growing season at the California Citrus Showcase in Visalia. Watch this quick video and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot for their industry support.

  • Ants Protect Deadly Citrus Disease Vector – New Ant Management Tools

    Ants are known to interfere with biological control of key citrus pests because they feast upon the sugary honeydew produced by small insects. One of these key pests is the invasive asian citrus psyllid that vectors the deadly huanglongbing citrus disease. As California growers diligently work to keep this disease out of citrus orchards, effective ant management is a critical component in the game plan. Ivan Milosavljevic from the California Citrus Research Board met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to discuss some new game-changing control strategies. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • California Citrus and Ag Leader Passes

    Joel Andrew Nelsen unexpectedly passed away the morning of Tuesday, July 1, at the age of 78.

    Born in San Diego on September 27, 1946, to Walter and Lorraine Nelsen, Joel led a blessed life. He was known by all for his work ethic, starting as a produce clerk at Lucky Stores when he was 16. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1970, serving four tours of duty in Vietnam.

    He returned home to graduate from Cal State University, Fullerton and married the love of his life, Suezette Wingfield, on June 23, 1972. Together, Joel and Suezette had two daughters, Nicole Reynolds and Laura Nelsen. His only grandchild, Conner Joel Reynolds, arrived on September 4, 2012 and became the absolute apple of Joel’s eye.

    After years as a produce manager for Lucky stores, he became CEO of the Fresh Produce Council for 10 years. In 1982, Joel, Suezette and the girls moved to Visalia, where Joel would dedicate the next 37 years of his professional life to leading California Citrus Mutual.

    Fighting never-ending battles on behalf of the citrus industry, Joel set industry standards and became known nationwide as a warrior for his constituency. Regular trips to Sacramento, Washington D.C. and internationally were all part of Joel’s service to the citrus industry. He woke up every morning ready to contribute.

    Thanks to Joel and a very supportive board of directors, CCM became the voice of California citrus. Joel mentored many, and his accomplishments were significant, including passage of the largest tax relief package ever for California agriculture, and preventing the importation of lemons from Argentina to protect California citrus from pest and disease infestations.

    His retirement in 2019 allowed him more time with Suezette and his daughters, enjoying adventures with Conner, playing golf, tasting wine and whiskey, enjoying the Cayucos beach, and walking his dog Katy. It was never lost on Joel how fortunate he was.

    During COVID-19, Joel saw the need for starting Chit Chat on the Cul-de-Sac, a neighborhood friendship and social group. The greatest neighborhood in Visalia continues Chit Chat to this day with get-togethers and events.

    In 2023, American Pistachio Growers asked him to guide their organization through a transition period. True to form, Joel stepped up. He left retirement and became the interim President and CEO for a year.

    The world has lost a great one. His absence will be felt by everyone in his life. He was generous with his time, wisdom, and guidance. Joel will be missed, thought of often, quoted regularly and especially cherished by his loved ones, too many friends to count, Visalia Country Club golf buddies, neighborhood groups, the citrus industry, and his colleagues in government.

    Joel was preceded in death by his mother and father and his nephew, Sean Nelsen.

    He is survived by his wife Suezette, his daughters Nicole (Robert) and Laura Nelsen, along with his wonderful grandson Conner Joel. He is also survived by his brother Steven, nephew Chad (Jennifer), and nieces Jennifer (Sean), Jennifer (Tom) and Jill (Kenny), numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews, close family friend Darlene Loose, many others that became his family, and of course, Katy.

    In lieu of flowers, Suezette has asked for you to donate to Katy’s rescue, Paw Squad 559 at 1840 Shaw Ave, 105\48 Clovis CA 93611.

    A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held on July 24, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Visalia Country Club – 625 N Ranch St, Visalia CA 93291.  — Obituary courtesy of Smith Family Chapel.

  • Funding Available for California Citrus Growers to Fight Asian Citrus Psyllid, Prevent Citrus Disease

    Huanglongbing (HLB), the deadly citrus disease that decimated the Florida citrus industry has shown up in Southern California and is now threatening the nation’s number one citrus state.  HLB is primarily spread by the invasive Asian Citrus Psyllid, so managing this insect is key to preventing the spread of the disease. Pest mitigation practices may be costly, the California Citrus Research Board (CRB) introduced the California Citrus Research and Field Trials program (CA-CRaFT) to help fund commercial growers (both conventional and organic) to implement these practices. CRB representative Ivan Milosavljevic met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share details. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • California Citrus Growers Deliver Quality Crop, Imports & Costs Remain a Challenge

    It’s been a great harvest season for California citrus growers; however, increased production costs and market challenges are a growing concern. California Citrus Mutual President/CEO Casey Creamer met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network at their annual Citrus Showcase to highlight the bright spots of the State of the California citrus industry, but also to address the challenges. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • HLB Funding Prioritized in Farm Bill Proposal

    California Citrus Mutual (CCM) commends Chairwoman Stabenow of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Chairman Glenn Thompson from the House Agriculture Committee for prioritizing the citrus industry’s fight against Huanglongbing (HLB) in each of their frameworks for the 2024 Farm Bill. Each Chair’s framework continues support of the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program at $25 million per year for the life of the Farm Bill.

    “This is a significant step towards reaching a bipartisan Farm Bill compromise that will continue critical research to find a cure to Huanglongbing,” said CCM President/CEO Casey Creamer.  “While this isn’t the finish line, it clearly signals that Congress supports maintaining citrus funding.  We thank the Chairs of the Committee and our California Congressional delegation for championing our needs.”

    The $25 million in funding will go to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to fund research to find a cure for HLB. The funding is overseen by grower representatives from California, Texas, and Florida.

    This is a big win for the citrus industry as there were significant headwinds with the current fiscal battles in Washington, D.C., including escalating Farm Bill baseline expenditures and competing priorities within agriculture.  It proves the strength of the advocacy partnership with Florida and Texas Citrus Mutuals in addition to the strong support received from allied industry organizations.

    About California Citrus Mutual (CCM)

    CCM is a voluntary, non-profit trade association representing California citrus growers on the economic, regulatory, and political issues that most impact them.