Ken Melban Appointed President of California Avocado Commission

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News Summary

The California Avocado Commission has promoted Ken Melban to president, effective May 22, 2025. Melban, who has been with the commission since 2011, has held multiple key roles, including vice president of industry affairs. Recognized for his leadership, Melban has actively worked to protect avocado growers and expand export markets, including gaining access to China. His commitment to agricultural practices and community service underscores his dedication to the avocado industry as he prepares to face emerging challenges.

California – The California Avocado Commission (CAC) board has announced the promotion of Ken Melban to president, effective May 22, 2025. Melban has been a key player within the commission since his arrival in 2011 and has progressively taken on more responsibilities, culminating in his new leadership role.

Before his promotion, Melban served as vice president of industry affairs and operations and was a co-executive leader since late 2023. His previous positions have equipped him with a robust understanding of the complexities faced by California avocado growers. The board chair, Jason Cole, commended Melban for his leadership in financial and administrative operations, as well as his commitment to industry affairs programs.

Melban’s career at CAC is marked by a series of pivotal initiatives. Notably, he has advocated with the U.S. government to safeguard the industry against harmful pests entering the nation through imported avocado shipments. He has also been actively involved in aiding growers recovering from the impacts of devastating fires in recent years.

His contributions extend to the development and adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) that promote high standards within the California avocado sector. In addition, Melban played a vital role in expanding the California avocado export program. He successfully secured market access to China in 2020 after nine years of extensive negotiations, representing a significant achievement for California’s agricultural export landscape.

Prior to joining the CAC, Melban accumulated two decades of experience in the produce industry. He has collaborated with various California commodity boards and played a significant part in the National Grape & Wine Initiative. His experience in these roles has enriched his capability to represent the interests of local growers effectively.

Melban’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in leadership and organizational studies from Fresno Pacific University. Throughout his career, he has also been dedicated to community service, actively participating in organizations such as the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Climate Change Adaptation Consortium and the Ventura AG Futures Alliance. These roles reflect his commitment not only to the avocado industry but also to broader agricultural issues facing California.

As the new president of CAC, Melban aims to continue advocating for the interests of avocado growers while identifying and capitalizing on emerging opportunities for the organization. His promotion comes at a crucial time, as the California avocado industry seeks to navigate through multiple challenges including market competition, environmental factors, and consumer preferences.

In summary, Ken Melban’s new role as president of the California Avocado Commission positions him as a significant advocate for California avocado farmers, building on a strong foundation of service, advocacy, and industry knowledge he has cultivated throughout his career.