Apr 26 2011

New Director, Issues Management Position Created to Spearhead Industry Affairs

IRVINE, Calif. (April 26, 2011) –The California Avocado Commission (CAC) announced that Ken Melban has joined its staff as Director, Issues Management. Melban will lead a variety of industry affairs, grower communications and technical initiatives for the Commission.

“Ken has been on the front line with complex issues impacting agriculture, giving him considerable interaction with regulators, environmental interest groups, farmers, labor representatives, and the media,” said Tom Bellamore, president of CAC. “We will put his expertise to good use as we fill our mission to create a more profitable market environment for the California avocado industry.”

Melban, who brings more than 14 years of agricultural leadership experience to CAC, has significant experience in working with California commodity boards in areas pertaining to research and pesticide use, having served as the statewide Spray Safe manager, and through his work for the National Grape and Wine Initiative. He also has experience working with the Environmental Protection Agency, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, researchers, growers, and chemical manufacturers in the identification and registration of effective crop protection materials for California agriculture. Melban was instrumental in the development of the California Potato Pest Management Strategic Plan, and also served as Director of Crop Protection Services for the California Pepper Commission. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in management and organizational development and a Master of Arts degree in leadership and organizational studies, both from Fresno Pacific University.

About the California Avocado Commission

Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission strives to increase demand for California avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities that benefit the state’s nearly 5,000 avocado growers. The California Avocado Commission serves as the official information source for California avocados and the California avocado industry. For information about California avocados, visit CaliforniaAvocado.com, become a fan at Facebook.com/CaliforniaAvocados and follow the California Avocado Commission on Twitter at Twitter.com/CA_Avocados.