Sustainable avocado farming practices in California.
The California Avocado Commission has promoted Ken Melban to president, effective May 22, 2025. With over two decades of experience in the avocado industry, Melban aims to address growers’ challenges and expand market access. His leadership has already seen significant strides, including improved agricultural standards and facilitating avocado exports to China. Melban’s dedication to sustainability and advocacy for local avocado farms positions the commission for future growth.
The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has officially promoted Ken Melban to the position of president, effective May 22, 2025. With a long-standing dedication to the avocado industry, Melban is set to lead the organization with a focus on addressing the challenges facing California avocado growers while capitalizing on emerging opportunities within the sector.
Ken Melban first joined the California Avocado Commission in 2011 as the director of issues management. Over the years, he has climbed the ranks, becoming the vice president of industry affairs in 2015. Following his contributions and leadership skills, he has served as the vice president of industry affairs and operations as well as co-executive leader of the commission since late 2023.
In his new role, Melban is expected to leverage his extensive background in the produce industry, which spans over two decades. His prior experience includes collaborations with California commodity boards and the National Grape & Wine Initiative, further establishing his expertise in agricultural operations.
Jason Cole, the chair of the CAC board, has acknowledged Melban’s effective leadership in managing financial and administrative operations, as well as industry affairs programs. His strong understanding of the challenges that avocado growers face and his passionate advocacy for their interests underline his suitability for the role of president.
Melban possesses a strategic vision aimed at recognizing and capitalizing on new opportunities for the CAC. Significant highlights of his tenure thus far include advocating for the prevention of harmful pests entering the country through imported avocados, showcasing his commitment to the health and sustainability of local avocado farms.
Moreover, Melban has been responsive in addressing critical issues for growers, particularly in the aftermath of devastating fires that have impacted California’s agricultural landscape. His leadership led to the development and adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) tailored for the California avocado industry, ensuring better standards for agricultural production.
In addition to these efforts, Melban has made significant strides toward expanding the California avocado export program. Notably, under his direction, the CAC secured market access to China in 2020 following an arduous nine years of negotiations, opening a key market for California-grown avocados.
Melban’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in leadership and organizational studies from Fresno Pacific University. Throughout his professional journey, he has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to the community through active participation in various service organizations. His engagements have included contributions to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Climate Change Adaptation Consortium and the Ventura AG Futures Alliance, further exemplifying his dedication to the agricultural and larger communities.
With Ken Melban assuming the presidency of the California Avocado Commission, stakeholders within the avocado industry can expect leadership that emphasizes both advocacy and innovation. His extensive background, proven leadership capabilities, and commitment to addressing grower concerns position the CAC for potential growth and development in the years to come.
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