HALF MOON BAY, CA - March 11 marked the new fiscal year for the California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) during its Annual Membership Breakfast at the 88^th Annual Meeting. During the event, the association elected the Board of Directors and Chairwoman.

The 88^th Annual Meeting began on Sunday, March 10, with the Chairman’s Welcome Reception, a release explained. California’s Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis joined attendees as the special guest of the evening, where she spoke about the importance of California agriculture.

During the event, CFFA honored past Chairman Louis Pandol with the prestigious Mentor’s Award. This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the fresh grape, berry, and treefruit communities through their leadership in the industry.

Additionally, the association and the California Table Grape Commission honored Domenick “Cookie” Bianco with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given to an individual whose pioneering spirit and demonstrated inventiveness throughout his/her career inspired others and influenced the industry positively.

At the event, Melissa Frank of Wonderful Orchards was elected as Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the 2024/25 fiscal year. The organization's officers are nominated to serve for a one-year period and are selected by a committee of past Board Chairs.

Other officers include:

• First Vice Chair: Casey Jones (Sun Valley Packing) – Reedley-based stone fruit grower and shipper
• Secretary/Treasurer: Louis Pandol (Pandol Bros, Inc.) – Delano-based fresh table grape shipper

This year’s event also featured two days of Industry Workshops where conversations were focused on agricultural technology, leadership versus management practices, and an update on California’s Card Check labor law.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow to see what else this year holds for CFFA.