CCM Advocates for California Citrus Growers in Washington, D.C.

By Jacob Villagomez, Director of Governmental Affairs

Last week, I had the pleasure of accompanying CCM Executive Committee Members – Chair Jared Plumlee, Vice-Chair Julia Inestroza, Treasurer Scott Mabs – and CCM President/CEO Casey Creamer to Washington D.C. for our annual fly-in. Executive Committee Members briefed members of Congress, their staff, and USDA about the current challenges facing California citrus growers, including retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, a citrus trade imbalance and competitive domestic markets, dropping carton prices, and uncertain support from federal agencies facing cuts.

The team also advocated for a new Farm Bill and the renewal of the Citrus Trust fund—which houses vital HLB research. Meetings were held with members of Congress and USDA officials to support the industry and help find a path forward. Highlights included engaging with Representatives such as Jim Costa, Julia Brownley, and David Valadao, as well as the Ag Committee leadership, including House Ag Chairman G.T Thompson and Ranking Member Angie Craig.

The visit also featured the annual Taste of Sunshine event, a cornerstone event we co-host each year with Texas and Florida Citrus Mutuals. During the event, fresh citrus produce was showcased and tasted by Congress and over 100 staff members. The event continues to be an important platform to celebrate and promote the citrus industry’s bounty and its importance to the U.S. economy.