In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the California Table Grape Commission (commission), Secretary Karen Ross of the California Department of Food and Agriculture presented the organization with a resolution commemorating 50 years of service to the state and its residents.
Among other things, the resolution Secretary Ross presented noted that, “since its first meeting in 1968, the commission has served the public interest by providing the leadership, promotion, and research needed to turn a small struggling industry into a mainstay of the state’s agricultural economy.” Further, Secretary Ross noted that, “in remaining dedicated to its purpose of creating demand for the state’s fresh grape crop the commission has fostered an environment that allowed a disparate group of small growers producing 27 million boxes of fresh grapes for U.S. consumers only to grow into an industry that ships approximately 110 million boxes to 60 countries with a crop value of $1.8 billion.”
As part of the celebration, Dominick Bianco of Anthony Vineyards was honored for his service on the first board of commissioners from 1968-1971 and for his continuous service since 1986. Marko B. Zaninovich of Sunview Vineyards was recognized for his service from 1971-1974 and for his continuous service since 1991.
During the meeting at which the recognition took place, the 2018 crop estimate was confirmed to be 114.6 million 19-pound boxes. Reports on the promotion programs underway in the U.S., Canada, and export markets around the world were provided.
