Ken Melban Appointed President of California Avocado Commission

News Summary

Ken Melban has been appointed as the president of the California Avocado Commission, effective May 22, 2025. With over a decade of experience within the organization, Melban has played a critical role in advocating for avocado growers and enhancing California’s avocado export program. His leadership is expected to further support the growing avocado industry in the state, which is projected to harvest 375 million pounds this year.

California – Ken Melban has been appointed as the new president of the California Avocado Commission (CAC), with his promotion taking effect on May 22, 2025. This leadership change follows Melban’s extensive experience within the organization since he joined in 2011, initially as the director of issues management. He progressed to vice president in 2015, focusing on industry affairs, and more recently has held the dual role of vice president of industry affairs and operations since late 2023.

The decision to promote Melban has been met with enthusiasm. Jason Cole, chair of the CAC, recognized Melban for his exemplary leadership and his contributions to financial and administrative operations, as well as industry affairs programs. Melban’s deep understanding of the various challenges California avocado growers face, coupled with his advocacy for their interests, has positioned him as a strong leader within the industry.

Throughout his tenure, Melban has actively collaborated with government entities and organizations to support California avocado growers, successfully spearheading efforts that include advocacy following post-fire recovery and initiatives aimed at preventing harmful pests from imported avocado products. Notably, Melban was instrumental in the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for avocados grown in California. His efforts also led to the significant expansion of the state’s avocado export program, culminating in California avocados gaining market access to China in 2020 after a nine-year negotiation process.

Melban brings over two decades of expertise in produce leadership to his new role. His background includes collaboration with California commodity boards and contributions to the National Grape & Wine Initiative. He holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in leadership and organizational studies from Fresno Pacific University. Furthermore, his community involvement is evidenced by his engagement with organizations focused on adaptation to climate change and agricultural futures throughout California.

The California avocado industry has been experiencing growth recently, with predictions indicating a statewide avocado harvest of 375 million pounds for the current year, an increase from last year’s 350 million pounds. This rise in production is attributed to the increase in new tree plantings; in the past decade, approximately 300,000 new avocado trees have been planted annually. Farmers, including Rick Shade from Shade Farms, are optimistic about the upcoming harvest, with Shade Farms forecasting a near-record yield for the 2026 season. Last year, Shade Farms produced around 250,000 pounds of avocados, with expectations of an even larger yield this year as the avocado trees continue to mature.

In Santa Barbara County, avocado cultivation plays a significant economic role, with the county encompassing about 5,700 acres dedicated to avocados, making it the third-highest-grossing fruit and nut crop in the area. The overall value of the California avocado industry is estimated at $1.5 billion. For the 2023-2024 season, the state produced over 363.6 million pounds of avocado fruit, reflecting the booming industry and growing consumer demand.

As the industry prepares for the upcoming season, farmers are advised to encourage consumers to buy hard avocados and ripen them at home to enhance quality. While the CAC has refrained from commenting on expected avocado prices in retail stores for the coming year, the focus remains on sustaining the health and welfare of the avocado growing community in California.

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