For Immediate Release
PLEASE NOTE: Our industry luncheon is now sold out. You may still register for general attendance at www.cacitrusmutual.com/citrus-showcase/
March 2, 2026, Exeter, Calif. — California Citrus Mutual (CCM) invites growers and allied agricultural industry members to join us for the 2026 Citrus Showcase on Wednesday, March 11, at the Visalia Convention Center in Visalia, CA. The event will feature free continuing education (CE) unit-approved courses, industry expert seminars, a tradeshow and an industry luncheon.
The event’s morning session will feature a water panel to discuss different perspectives from water entities and provide growers with timely insight into groundwater management, conveyance challenges, and long-term water reliability in the San Joaquin Valley. The panel will consist of Johnny Amaral, CEO of the Friant Water Authority, Paul Gosselin, Deputy Director for Sustainable Water Management, and Austin B. Ewell III, Executive Director of the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley. The session will be moderated by CCM Board Director Matt Leider.
“I am particularly excited for this session”, said CCM Board Chair, Julia Inestroza. “Water remains one of the most critical issues facing California citrus growers, and bringing together these leaders offers a valuable opportunity to hear different perspectives from key water entities shaping our future.”
This year’s luncheon speaker is Connie Conway. Conway is the current State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency and former U.S. Representative for California’s 22nd District. She will share insight into what she’s learned in her position, and what is being done at the federal level to strengthen the safety net for citrus and specialty crops.
“We are honored to welcome Connie Conway as this year’s luncheon speaker,” said CCM Director of Governmental Affairs, Jacob Villagomez. “Her experience as a former member of Congress and now as State Executive Director of the FSA gives her a unique perspective on how federal policy directly impacts citrus growers. I look forward to her insights into the work being done to ensure our growers have the support they need to navigate today’s economic challenges.”
Citrus Showcase will also offer an expanded continuing education agenda, including:
- Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division Update
- DPR Regulation Changes for 2026
- Vertebrate Control
- Postharvest Treatments for California Fresh Citrus
- Navigating Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) to Support Compliance and Facilitate Citrus Trade
- Citrus Gummosis with Focus on Neoscytalidium Dimidiatum
- Weed Management Research Update in Citrus
- Update on USDA-ARS Citrus Breeding and Pathology Research Relevant to Citrus Pest Management
CCM is pleased to once again partner with the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) on the Continuing Education portion of the event. This collaboration strengthens our ability to deliver relevant, issue-driven content that keeps the citrus industry informed and prepared.
The Citrus Showcase is open to the public and free to attend, except for the industry luncheon, which requires advance registration. CCM invites growers and industry allies to a day of education, networking, and industry camaraderie.
For more information, including registration, the full agenda, and our exhibitor directory, visit www.cacitrusmutual.com/citrus-showcase/
###
Media Contact:
Abby Peltzer
California Citrus Mutual
Communications Manager
Phone: (559) 592-3790
About California Citrus Mutual (CCM)
California Citrus Mutual (CCM) is a voluntary, non-profit trade association that represents California’s citrus growers on critical economic, regulatory, and political issues. Established to advocate for the industry’s sustainability and competitiveness, CCM serves as the unified voice of the citrus community in dealings with policymakers and stakeholders.
