California Avocado Commission Calls on USDA to Maintain Direct Oversight of Mexico Avocado Export Program

It is the Commission’s position that the continuation of the current U.S./Mexico Operational Work Plan (OWP) is essential. The OWP requires the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to provide direct inspection of all harvesting and packing of Hass avocados for export to the U.S. Maintaining USDA’s direct oversight ensures the integrity of the avocado inspection program in Mexico, critical to preventing the introduction of invasive pests to the U.S.

Ken Melban Promoted to California Avocado Commission Vice President of Industry Affairs and Operations

The California Avocado Commission has promoted Ken Melban to vice president of industry affairs and operations. A produce veteran with extensive experience, Ken Melban joined the Commission in 2011 as director, issues management. In 2015 he was promoted to vice president, industry affairs.

California Avocado Commission Appoints Interim President

An active search continues for the role of California Avocado Commission president following the retirement of Tom Bellamore earlier this year. During the Commission’s August board meeting it was announced that Ken Melban has been appointed to the role of interim president of the Commission.