California Citrus Mutual joined with the California Fresh Fruit Association, Western Plant Health Association, American Pistachio Growers, Western Growers Association, and the Agriculture Council of California to host a 5-member delegation of the California Senate for a two-day tour of Central Valley farming operations last week.
The delegation was led by Senator Steve Glazer, who has spearheaded an effort to cultivate moderate, “independent thinkers” in the State Senate by facilitating tours and educational opportunities with the agricultural industry and other business sectors. Senator Glazer has been a strong supporter of agriculture in the Senate and we greatly appreciate his work to create relationships between agriculture and urban legislators.
Senators attending included Steve Glazer, Melissa Hurtado, Richard Roth, Bob Wieckowski, and Scott Weiner.
The tour included stops at a Van Grouw Dairy, Sun-Maid, HMC Farms (table grapes and stone fruit), Murad Farms (Canned peaches), and Fowler Packing (citrus and table grapes).
At Fowler Packing, CCM member Justin Parnagian led the group through a tour of the mandarin packing line and highlighted the technical advancements used in the packing house. The group also visited the company’s on-site “solar farm” and health clinic and enjoyed lunch in the employee cafeteria.
