California Ag Network

Tag: Joel Nelsen

  • 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.

  • Introducing American Pistachio Growers’ New President and Vision

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) has announced a new President & CEO to lead their organization — veteran sports marketing leader Zachary Fraser. Following the Interim services of Joel Nelsen, Fraser has taken the helm with a new vision to expand the influence and consumption of American pistachios around the world.  Watch this brief interview as Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network meets with Fraser and APG Chair Rich Kreps to get to know the new dynamic leadership and vision of the organization.

  • American Pistachio Growers Interim President Introduced at Annual Conference

    At the annual Pistachio Industry Conference held by American Pistachio Growers (APG) in Monterey this year, Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Joel Nelsen, Interim President of APG, for a video introduction to the industry.  Watch this brief interview as he also discusses his priorities with APG and its direction as the pistachio industry continues to grow.

    Special Thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.

  • Challenges and Successes for the California Citrus Industry

    With all the regulatory and economic challenges facing our agricultural industries, California growers understandably have a lot to grunt and complain about; however, if growers see these challenges as opportunities and work together to overcome them, so much more can be accomplished, as has been done in the California citrus industry.  Check out this brief video interview with former President of the California Citrus Mutual, Joel Nelsen, as he explains. Read more about it in the coming issue of California Fresh Fruit Magazine.  Don’t currently receive the publication?  Subscribe for free at https://malcolmmedia.com/california-fresh-fruit-subscriptions/.

  • International Trade Dispute Impacts CA Citrus Shipments

    The ongoing international trade dispute has disrupted many California agricultural industries which rely heavily on foreign exports, including California citrus.  Watch this brief interview with former President of the California Citrus Mutual Joel Nelsen as he shares how this is impacting citrus shipments.  Read more about the outgoing President of California Citrus Mutual and his outlook for the industry in the coming issue of California Fresh Fruit Magazine.  Don’t currently receive the publication?  Subscribe for free at https://malcolmmedia.com/california-fresh-fruit-subscriptions/.

  • California Citrus Mutual Appoints Casey Creamer as President/CEO

    CCM appoints current Executive Vice President and veteran agriculture industry representative.  Current President, Joel Nelsen to step down after 37 years at the helm and assume new role within the organization.

    Joel Nelsen Steps Down After 37 Years of Dedicated Service as President of the California Citrus Mutual

    The California Citrus Mutual (CCM) Board of Directors has named current Executive Vice President Casey Creamer as its new President and CEO effective February 1st.  Creamer came to CCM last February after a national search process to eventually assume the role of President.  He succeeds Joel Nelsen, who has guided CCM for the last 37 years.

    “The citrus industry is very fortunate to have had an individual of Joel’s caliber the last 37 years.  That kind of loyalty is not only rare, it’s unheard of,” stated Board Chairman Curt Holmes.  “Joel has taken a relatively small industry and has given us a huge voice.  We’ve faced many challenges over the years and have addressed them head on with his energy and passion leading the way.  We are incredibly grateful to him for his service and we appreciate his willingness to stay engaged in the industry.

    “We are also very excited to have Casey on board as our new President and CEO,” continued Holmes.  “The Board conducted an extensive search process and interviewed viable candidates from across the country.  We ultimately found the right person in our own backyard.  His prior experience working for a sister commodity organization and his work representing growers on water issues made him an ideal selection.  Over the last year his knowledge of the citrus industry has greatly expanded and he has quickly become a valuable member of the CCM team on behalf of the industry.”

    “I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve,” stated Creamer.  “I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with some of the best leaders over my career and have nothing but respect and admiration for the job that Joel has done advancing issues important to the citrus industry.  I’m looking forward to carrying on the many successful traditions at CCM, while constantly seeking new ideas and pathways to address the significant challenges we face.  With the enthusiasm and commitment that exists in this industry, I am confident that together we tackle any obstacle thrown our way.”

    About CCM – CCM is the only advocacy organization representing CA citrus growers on the economic, regulatory, and political issues that impact them most. We are a voluntary, non-profit trade association dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of the CA citrus industry by advocating for sound, reasonable policy that allows for fair competition in the market place. Our 2,500 members represent 75% of California’s 320,000 acre, $3.8 billion citrus industry.

  • NEW STUDY REVEALS CA CITRUS ECONOMIC IMPACT 

    Citrus Research Board Quantifies Industry Importance

        The total economic impact of California’s iconic citrus industry is $7.117 billion according to a new study commissioned by the Citrus Research Board (CRB).

    Bruce Babcock, UC Riverside

    “In updating our economic analysis, we selected a well-known expert, Bruce Babcock, Ph.D., a professor in the School of Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside, to conduct the research. His findings quantified the significant impact of citrus on California’s economic well-being,” said CRB President Gary Schulz.

    According to Babcock, the California citrus industry added $1.695 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016. “California citrus is a major contributor to the economic value of the state’s agricultural sector and is much larger than just the value of its sales,” he said. “Estimated full-time equivalent California citrus jobs totaled 21,674 in 2016-17, and estimated wages paid by the industry during that same timeframe totaled $452 million.”

    Babcock added, “The application of management skills and capital equipment to efficiently utilize land and water to produce high-quality citrus also generates upstream and downstream jobs and income that magnify the importance of citrus production beyond its farm value.”

       In 2016-17, the most recent marketing year of data compilation, Babcock found that the total direct value of California citrus production was $3.389 billion. This value generated an additional $1.263 billion in economic activity from related businesses that supplied materials and services to the citrus industry. Layered on top was another $2.464 billion in economic activity generated by household spending income that they received from California’s industry, according to Babcock, thus rendering a total economic impact of $7.117 billion.

    The study revealed that 79 percent of California’s citrus was packed for the fresh market and 21 percent was processed in 2016-17, which is economically significant because fresh market fruit has a higher value than processed fruit.”

    Of further note, California produced about 95 percent of all U.S. mandarins in the most recent reporting season.

    Joel Nelsen, President of the California Citrus Mutual

    California Citrus Mutual President Joel Nelsen commented, “The “wow” factor in this report is something as it relates to gross revenues and positive impact for the state, people and local communities.  This enthusiasm must be tempered by the fact that huanglongbing (HLB) can destroy all this in a matter of a year if the partnerships that exist between the industry and government cannot thwart the spread of this insidious disease.  Just this week, coincidentally, Brazil authorities reported a 20% reduction in fruit volume.  Reading how that would affect our family farmers, employees and the state is sobering.”

    The CRB study also looked at the possible impact of a potential 20 percent reduction in California citrus acreage or yield or a combination of the two that could result from increased costs associated with meeting government regulations, combatting the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) and warding off the invasion of HLB, a devastating disease that has decimated citrus production in many other growing regions such as Florida. Babcock calculated that such a reduction could cause a loss of 7,350 jobs and $127 million in associated employment income and could reduce California’s GDP by $501 million in direct, indirect and induced impacts. The CRB currently is devoting most of its resources to battling ACP and HLB to help ensure the sustainability of California citrus.

    Babcock is a Fellow of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association and has won numerous awards for his applied policy research. The economist received his Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California, Berkeley and his Masters and Bachelors degrees from the University of California, Davis.

    The CRB administers the California Citrus Research Program, the grower-funded and grower-directed program established in 1968 under the California Marketing Act as the mechanism enabling the State’s citrus producers to sponsor and support needed research. Read the full report on the “Economic Impact of California’s Citrus Industry” Here.

  • CA Citrus Mutual Works Aggressively to Protect Growers in the Industry

    With concerns over water rights and increasing regulations, growers’ voices need to be heard in Sacramento and Washington DC, and the California Citrus Mutual has an aggressive agenda this year to support the citrus industry. Watch this brief interview with Joel Nelsen to learn more and read about it in California Fresh Fruit Magazine.

    Calagnet & YARA
    Special thanks to this video’s sponsor!