Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: agricultural leadership

  • Mike Forbes Named CEO of American Pistachio Growers

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) announced the appointment of Mike Forbes as its new President and CEO, assuming the role on Sept. 1. Forbes brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the food, consumer products and wellness industries. Throughout his career, he has helped build purpose-driven brands, accelerate growth and lead organizations through periods of transformation while maintaining a strong focus on consumers, innovation and sustainability.

    “We are excited to welcome Mike Forbes as the next President and CEO of American Pistachio Growers,” said APG Board Chairman Justin Wylie. “Mike brings exceptional leadership experience, strong strategic judgment, and a genuine appreciation for the growers and industry he will represent. The Board believes he is the right person to build on APG’s strong foundation, expand opportunities for American pistachios, and lead the organization into its next chapter of growth.”

    A Wisconsin native with agricultural roots, Forbes grew up in 4-H and comes from a family of farmers. After beginning his career with McKinsey & Company, he held leadership roles at Jim Beam, Procter & Gamble and General Mills before a personal health journey inspired him to focus his career on food and wellness.

    That passion led him to California Olive Ranch, where he spent nearly a decade helping grow the business from less than $10 million to more than $100 million in annual revenue while advancing to Executive Vice President of the Consumer Business.

    Forbes went on to serve as CEO of Alter Eco, leading the organic chocolate company through a successful turnaround centered on regenerative agriculture. He later held executive leadership roles with Safely, MaryRuth Organics, and The Vitamin Shoppe, where he helped drive growth, expand retail partnerships, and strengthen consumer and digital businesses.

    “I am so excited to join APG and its family of growers and processors, and it’s an honor to work alongside such a world-class group of people who are deeply committed to this industry,” said Forbes. “Pistachios are an incredible crop, and nobody grows them better than American farmers. They’re one of nature’s perfect snacks, delivering outstanding flavor along with tremendous health benefits. APG has a long record of success, and I can’t wait to get started, meet our members, and help build on that momentum as we continue growing demand for American pistachios around the world.”

    Forbes holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honors from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA from Harvard Business School. As President and CEO, Forbes will lead APG’s efforts to advance the interests of American pistachio growers and processors, strengthen domestic and international demand, and continue promoting the nutritional, economic and environmental benefits of American-grown pistachios. — Story contributed by American Pistachio Growers

  • California Walnut Industry Leader Passes, Legacy Continues

    Dennis Balint died on November 19, 2025. He dedicated nearly three decades to the California Walnut Board and the California Walnut Commission, leading both organizations as executive director and CEO from 1995 to 2016.

    “Dennis’ leadership helped guide a period of significant industry growth and set the foundation for many of the programs we rely on today.

    One of his most lasting contributions was his commitment to building a strong, science-based health and nutrition research program. His vision helped establish California walnuts as a trusted leader in this space and supported the industry in securing the first USDA-qualified health claim for a whole food related to heart health.

    Dennis cared deeply about California walnut growers and consistently focused on what would strengthen the industry for the long term. We are grateful for his service and the legacy he leaves behind.

    Our thoughts are with the Balint family during this difficult time.”

    — Robert Verloop, Executive Director and CEO, California Walnut Board and Commission

  • Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo Awarded Almond Champion of the Year

    The Almond Alliance is pleased to announce Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo as the recipient of the 2025 Almond Champion of the Year Award. Assemblywoman Macedo is being recognized for her leadership on key issues affecting California agriculture and the almond industry. She has advanced efforts to address abandoned agricultural properties and invasive species, supported improvements to water infrastructure and wildfire prevention, and worked to reduce fuel costs for Californians. Her practical approach and engagement on agricultural policy reflect a strong commitment to the state’s farming communities.

    “Assemblywoman Macedo has taken a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to some of the biggest challenges facing California agriculture,” said Alexi Rodriguez, CEO of the Almond Alliance. “Her focus on abandoned land, water infrastructure, and wildfire prevention demonstrates an understanding of the pressures facing the almond industry today.”

    The Almond Champion of the Year Award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate leadership in education, coalition building, partnerships, and the advancement of policies that support California agriculture, including the almond industry. Assemblywoman Macedo’s efforts reflect the purpose and spirit of this recognition.

    Past recipients of this prestigious award include Assemblymember Juan Alanis, Department of Water Resources, Assemblymember Adam Gray, Assemblymember Heath Flora, former USDA State Executive Director of Farm Service Agency Connie Conway, Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua, and CDFA Undersecretary Christie Birdsong.

    The award will be formally presented to Assemblywoman Macedo at the California Almond Political Action Committee’s Annual Modesto Fundraiser, taking place at Del Rio Country Club on November 5, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. This event brings together members of the almond community, FFA students, elected officials, and special guests.

    For RSVPs or more information, please contact Annie Romero at 209-300-7140 or aromero@almondalliance.org.

    About the Almond Alliance

    Almond Alliance is the leading authority in state and national policy, championing American almond farmers, industry, and community for the continued global growth, innovation, and success of American almonds and agriculture.

    Established in 1980, the Almond Alliance is a non-profit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers, and allied businesses. The Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and solutions for our members, ensuring industry success and growth opportunities. Learn more at almondalliance.org.

  • California Walnut & Ag Industry Leader Jonathan Field Passes

    California’s agriculture industry is mourning the loss of Jonathan W. Field who served as Manager of the California Tree Fruit Agreement for over a decade, led the Walnut Bargaining Association and served as the Compliance Officer for the California and Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreements and the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board.

    Field, 77, of Lincoln, California, passed away peacefully August 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

    Field’s passion for agriculture began at age six when he received his first sheep on Christmas morning. A lifelong 4-H member, he spent nine months in Kenya, Africa with the 4-H and Peace Corps, teaching crop rotation and agricultural best practices. He always maintained his own sheep and cattle, fulfilling his lifelong dream of farming.

    He attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where he earned an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Business and then a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from University of California, Davis.

    Field’s professional journey as part of California’s agricultural industry was as expansive as it was impactful. He began his career with California Agricultural Statistics Service and then as an economist for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) where he worked on programs for iceberg lettuce, fresh tomatoes, carrots, celery, potatoes, cling peaches and processing pears. While at CDFA, Field wrote the first Marketing Agreement program and was the economist assigned to the first Commission laws created in California.

    In 1981, Field became Assistant Manager for the California Tree Fruit Agreement (CTFA), a conglomerate of marketing order programs representing California-grown peaches, plums, nectarines and pears. He became Manager in 1987, serving until 2000 where he championed growers, strengthened industry standards and left a lasting mark on California’s tree fruit sector. Importantly, he was integrally involved in the litigation which went successfully to the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the legality of mandatory commodity programs.

    “During the 1990s, the California Tree Fruit Agreement was extremely fortunate to have Jonathan Field as its Manager,” said Melvin Enns, a tree fruit grower-shipper who served on the CTFA Board for many years.  “Jon was well-versed in the intricacies of government regulations. He formed a diverse team of experts in the areas of merchandising, export development, communications and grower relations to create programs that complied with these directives. And, together with the 1500+ growers of California peaches, pears, plums, and nectarines, Jonathan and his team built a federal and state marketing order that was the envy of tree fruit growers in every other state.”

    Not only did Field leave a lasting impression on the California fruit industry, but he championed several causes impacting California agriculture in general. Working with a group of marketing order and commission managers (who are now retired) including:  Bruce Obbink, California Table Grape Commission; Dennis Balant, California Walnut Board; Rich Peterson, California Prune Board; Terry Stark, California Raisin Advisory Board, and Dave Riggs, California Strawberry Commission, Field was instrumental in founding the Alliance for Food and Farming, the Agricultural Issues Forum, the Minor Crop Farmer Alliance, the California Specialty Crop Council and the Buy California Marketing Agreement, or “California Grown”.

    After leaving CTFA, Field formed Paradigm Consulting Company where he worked for several organizations including as Executive Director of the Walnut Bargaining Association, a cooperative of California walnut growers.

    “Jon Field was a true representative for our industry,” said Donald Norene, Chairman of the Walnut Bargaining Association (now known as the Walnut Alliance of California.). “He was committed to empowering walnut growers with the financial information necessary to successfully negotiate a fair return for their walnut crop and his analysis was highly regarded by bankers, growers and handlers.”

    In 2007, Field began working as the first Compliance Officer for the newly formed California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) and its sister organization the Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement to help ensure leafy greens growers are following stringent food safety practices. In 2012, he began performing these same functions as the Compliance Officer for the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board. Field finally retired in 2023.

    “I had known Jon for many years prior to bringing him on at the LGMA as our very first Compliance Officer,” said Scott Horsfall, former president and CEO of the California LGMA. “He was the perfect person for this role with his strong background in working with CDFA, his knowledge of marketing orders and agreements and his strong desire to help the agricultural industry through challenges. He will be missed.”

    Jon is survived by his wife, Christine, of 52 years; and children Erin, Jonathan and Heather; seven grandchildren, sister, Shirley and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  The family will provide more information about a Celebration of Life at a later date.