From new leadership in California wine to an expanding citrus quarantine, several developments are making news across California agriculture this week.
Here are five stories to know in this week’s edition of This Week in Ag.
The Wonderful Company Names Chris Avery President of Wine
The Wonderful Company has named Chris Avery president of its wine business, effective Oct. 5.
Avery currently serves as CEO of Shafer Vineyards and brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the luxury wine industry. In his new position, he will oversee JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Landmark Vineyards and Lewis Cellars.
Throughout his career, Avery has also held senior positions at Darioush, DAOU Family Estates, Patrimony Estate, Opus One and Jordan Vineyard & Winery.
His experience includes operations, global sales and distribution, marketing, hospitality and direct-to-consumer business.
CAWG Launches Merchandise for California Wine Month
September is California Wine Month, and the California Association of Winegrape Growers is giving supporters a new way to celebrate.
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CAWG launched a collection of California wine merchandise designed to promote the state’s wine and recognize the growers and communities behind the industry.
Proceeds from the collection will support CAWG’s ongoing advocacy efforts for California winegrape growers.
California Wine Month has been celebrated since 2004 and recognizes the state’s wines, winegrowing regions and the people behind them.
Almond Industry Award Nominations Open
The Almond Board of California is accepting nominations for two awards recognizing contributions to the California almond industry.
The Almond Achievement Award recognizes an industry member who has made a lasting impact through long-term service and commitment to California almonds.
The Almond Technical Achievement Award focuses on contributions through research, innovation or helping the industry adopt practices that benefit growers and the broader almond sector.
Nominations for the 2026 awards are due Oct. 9, with the recipients scheduled to be announced during The Almond Conference in December.
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In 2025, Ross Blackburn received the Almond Achievement Award, while Christine Gemperle received the Almond Technical Achievement Award.
HLB Quarantine Expands in California
Federal and state officials are expanding quarantined areas for Huanglongbing, or HLB, in parts of California.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is adding one square mile to the Santa Paula quarantine area in Ventura County. The expansion impacts approximately 151.7 acres of commercial citrus.
Another 10 square miles are being added to quarantined areas in Riverside and San Diego counties, impacting approximately 121.5 acres of commercial citrus.
The expansion follows positive tests for the bacterium that causes HLB from plant tissue collected at residential properties.
The quarantine and associated movement restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of HLB spreading into areas that are not currently infested.
Western United Dairies Pursues Funding for Tule Subbasin Farmers
Western United Dairies is pursuing additional federal conservation funding that could benefit farmers and agricultural land in the Tule Subbasin.
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The organization submitted two proposals to USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
The proposals build on existing water conservation efforts and programs such as LandFlex, with the goal of bringing additional resources to dairy farmers and agricultural operations in the region.
Water availability and groundwater sustainability remain significant issues for agricultural operations throughout the Central Valley, making programs that support conservation and water management increasingly important for producers.
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From wine and almonds to citrus, dairy and water, This Week in Ag brings together five stories impacting California agriculture each week.
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Joseph Malcolm is an Emmy award winning videographer and editor. He is currently studying at Fresno State University and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and journalism with an emphasis in broadcast and digital journalism. When he’s not working with agriculture or studying at school, he is spending time with his family.