California Ag Network

Tag: Marko Zaninovich

  • California Table Grape Commission Chairman Elected

    Justin Parnagian of Fowler Packing Company Inc. was recently elected to serve as the chairman of the California Table Grape Commission. Parnagian was preceded by Marko Zaninovich, of Sunview Vineyards, who served as commission chairman since 2024.

    “The commission is deeply appreciative of Marko’s leadership during a significant period of transition for our organization and industry,” said Commission President Ian LeMay. “Throughout his tenure as chairman, Marko demonstrated a tremendous respect for the legacy of the California table grape industry, while also maintaining a clear focus on the work necessary to position our industry for the future and address the challenges ahead. We are equally excited to welcome Justin into this leadership role and look forward to working alongside him as we continue advancing the mission of the commission and building upon the strong foundation of California table grapes both domestically and internationally.”

    Six commissioners were also recently reappointed to their positions after district nomination meetings were held between March 3 and March 4, 2026: Jack Campbell, District 1; Wayde Kirschenman, District 2; Jon Paul Zaninovich, District 3; John D. Zaninovich, District 4; Gary Gipson, District 5; and Justin Parnagian, District 6. — Story contributed by the California Table Grape Commission

  • CA Table Grape Commission Celebrates 50 Years

    CDFA Secretary Karen Ross

    In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the California Table Grape Commission (commission), Secretary Karen Ross of the California Department of Food and Agriculture presented the organization with a resolution commemorating 50 years of service to the state and its residents.

    Among other things, the resolution Secretary Ross presented noted that, “since its first meeting in 1968, the commission has served the public interest by providing the leadership, promotion, and research needed to turn a small struggling industry into a mainstay of the state’s agricultural economy.” Further, Secretary Ross noted that, “in remaining dedicated to its purpose of creating demand for the state’s fresh grape crop the commission has fostered an environment that allowed a disparate group of small growers producing 27 million boxes of fresh grapes for U.S. consumers only to grow into an industry that ships approximately 110 million boxes to 60 countries with a crop value of $1.8 billion.”

    As part of the celebration, Dominick Bianco of Anthony Vineyards was honored for his service on the first board of commissioners from 1968-1971 and for his continuous service since 1986. Marko B. Zaninovich of Sunview Vineyards was recognized for his service from 1971-1974 and for his continuous service since 1991.

    During the meeting at which the recognition took place, the 2018 crop estimate was confirmed to be 114.6 million 19-pound boxes. Reports on the promotion programs underway in the U.S., Canada, and export markets around the world were provided.