Shining Light on Farm & Food Policy for 20 Years. Friday, November 08, 2024

Articles by Lydia Johnson

01Farm Hands West

Farm Hands West: Lee to lead SJTA, Becker promoted at Mission Produce

The San Joaquin Tributaries Authority named Andree Lee as the organization’s first executive director. Michael Bliss was promoted to director of grower services at California Citrus Mutual

Mission Produce promoted Brooke Becker to senior vice president of sales. Ryan Krabill joined the Oregon Farm Bureau as a government affairs manager. Kenneth Connolly joined the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee's Democratic staff as a senior policy adviser. 


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: Bray joins Global Farmer Network, Baig tapped as White House advisor

Ag policy veteran Kellie Bray is joining the Global Farmer Network as director of partnerships while also starting her own business, KBray Consulting. Patrick Creamer has officially retired from his post as communications director for the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Andrew Walmsley joined the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology as vice president of government relations. Sanah Baig is the new White House senior policy advisor for agriculture and nutrition. 


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Farm Hands West: I Love Produce leadership changes, IFPA leadership class announced, Peixoto named organic grower of the year

I Love Produce announced new leadership. Adrian Almeida is the new CEO and Eric Frasse was promoted to president. The International Fresh Produce Association announced the 29th leadership program class. Launched in 1995, more than 330 individuals have participated in the year-long advocacy, communications and leadership development program. 

Dick Peixoto, owner of Lakeside Organic Gardens, was named the 2024 organic grower of the year. Metro announced that François Thibault will retire in the spring of 2025.


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: Senate Ag names new communications director, National FFA elects student leaders, Howe to lead WABA

The new communications director for the Senate Ag Committee GOP staff has been named. Raymond Dobert joined Harambe Ag Consulting as a principal. Ethan Matthews was promoted to vice president of government affairs at Wilbur-Ellis.

The National FFA Organization announced six individuals selected to serve on the 2024-25 officer team. Grace Howe will assume the role of executive director at the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association on Nov. 1. The Biotechnology Innovation Organization hired Karin Hoelzer as senior director of patient advocacy.


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01Farm Hands West

Farm Hands West: Castañeda and McShane receive CALF awards, Carranza joins Church Brothers Farms

Global avocado and fresh produce company Calavo Growers hired Anna Kirsch as director of business development. The California Ag Leadership Foundation honored Carlos Castañeda of San Luis Obispo County and Steve McShane of Monterey County as 2024 Profiles in Leadership Award recipients. 

Church Brothers Farms hired Tracy Carranza as vice president of retail sales. Stephen Farmer is the new chief administrative officer for the Westlands Water District. Westfalia Fruit Group tapped Chris Bush as CEO effective Oct. 28.


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: National 4-H Council hires Godwin, Meat Institute and NCC elect new officers, Hockstad joins CBA

Matthew Jaffe was tapped as acting assistant United States trade representative for trade policy coordination. The American Soybean Association promoted Blair Shipp to state policy communications manager.

The National 4-H Council hired Natalie Godwin as vice president of corporate communications. The Meat Institute elected key new officers, executive board members and its full board of directors members for 2025. Corteva appointed Judd O’Connor as executive vice president of the Seed Business Unit effective December 1.


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