2017 Business Excellence Awards

Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2017 71 Best Apple Production NPO 2017 - California The California Apple Commission Founded in 1994, the California Apple Commission was created to administer the state marketing order program for California apples. Alexander discusses the commission and how it works to support the region’s producers. “Here at the California Apple Commission, we have a great board of directors made up of both conventional and organic apple producers. Anytime a new project, an issue or challenge is presented, collaboration between the industry happens and brings together the opinions of the producers and handlers. A strategy is then developed and staff implements the goals of the industry. “This strategy has to encompass the diversity of our industry, as our growers and handlers are not just apple producers; they grow multiple commodities. However, in order to ensure that apple issues are addressed, the industry developed a strategic plan that is reviewed over time to ensure that the focuses of the industry are constantly targeted and updated. This has been a vital tool in achieving success for the California apple industry.” The California Apple Commission is a state Commission that focuses on market access, pest and disease issues, research, statistics, and educating government officials, consumers and buyers on the availability and issues that directly impact California apples. We caught up with Alexander Ott, Executive Director, to find out more. Company: The California Apple Commission Contact: Alexander J. Ott, Executive Director Contact Email: [email protected] Address: 2556 Alluvial Ave., Suite 182, Clovis, CA. 93611 Phone: 15592253000 Web Address: www.calapple.org BE170132 Overall, California is always a challenging work environment. Aside from droughts, labor issues, regulations, and urban challenges, California is one of the only agriculture regions in the world that is so diversified in terms of agriculture. What makes California great is it grows over 350 commodities, and it is this that also provides the region’s key challenge. As some commodities decrease, growers look to other commodities to change to during challenging times. This makes it difficult when apples are having a down year. Longevity in the industry is key. To achieve this longevity, remaining at the forefront of global developments in the apple market is critical, and Alexander believes that this can be achieved through the commission’s dedication and hard work. He concludes by discussing its upcoming plans and how these will help the industry to stay at the cutting edge of the latest market changes. “California will always have an apple industry; however, it is important that the industry continues to change and adapt over time. The California Apple Commission is a key element in assisting the industry. Several of the projects we are working on to assist the industry include the introduction of shade cloth, which if successful will assist in lower field temperature, reduce sunburn, reduce water consumption, and increase size. Other projects include organic fire blight research, market access issues into several Asian countries and providing guidance on the food safety challenges that face agriculture. These are exciting times for California apples, as the challenges increase and the innovation expands towards new solutions.” “Anytime a new project, an issue or challenge is presented, collaborationbetween the industry happens and brings together the opinions of the producers andhandlers .”