California Ag Network

Tag: Table Grape Industry

  • 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

  • California Table Grape Growers Double Impact of Food Bank Donations

    California table grape growers are doubling the impact of each gift made to the Central California Food Bank between October 20-31 to help provide meals for families facing hunger across the Central Valley.

    October is California Farmer and Farmworker Month, a month-long acknowledgement of California’s hardworking farmers and farmworkers. In celebration of the hands that help feed us, every dollar donated during the two-week campaign, up to $15,000, will be matched by California table grape growers. The campaign is designed to raise awareness and provide essential support to sustain food distributions in the San Joaquin Valley. Specifically, funds raised will help strengthen Central California Food Bank’s Farmworker Community Partnership Program across Fresno, Kern, and Tulare Counties.

    Central California Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in Central California, serving Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, and Tulare counties. In Central California, 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 3 children face food insecurity, which is the limited or uncertain access to adequate food. Through a network of more than 260 member partner agencies, Central California Food Bank distributes nutritious foods to over 320,000 people each month, including more than 100,000 children.

    The campaign is a demonstration of California table grape growers’ collective commitment to building thriving communities in the table grape growing regions. “The commission is a service-based organization, and this initiative is a reflection of the commitment of California table grape growers to the communities they live and work in,” said Ian LeMay, commission president.

    For more information about the campaign, please visit give.ccfoodbank.org/calgrapes.

  • Postharvest State of the California Table Grape Industry

    How did the 2024 harvest fare for California table grape growers following the extensive high heat conditions they weathered over the summer? What are the biggest challenges concerning growers moving into 2025? California Fresh Fruit Association President Daniel Hartwig addressed these questions at Malcolm Media’s annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in his State of the Industry address. Watch his interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and read more about it in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.