The California Olive Committee (COC) is seeking grower nominations for new committee terms, running June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2015. Appointees will have the opportunity to take an active role in shaping COC programs and the future of the California ripe olive industry.

Producers in both growing districts are encouraged to submit their nominations in person at two upcoming meetings in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys:

• District 2 (South): Counties including Fresno, Madera, Kern, Kings and Tulare

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013

1-3 p.m.

La Quinta Inn & Suites

5438 W. Cypress Ave.

Visalia, CA 93277

Seeking: Three (3) Members and three (3) Alternates

• District 1 (North): Counties including Butte, Glenn, Tehama, Colusa and Shasta

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2013

1-3 p.m.

Corning Veteran’s Hall

1620 Solano St.

Corning, CA 96021

Seeking: Five (5) Members and five (5) Alternates

• Growers unable to attend the meetings in their respective districts may also submit nominations to the COC via phone, fax and email. Nominations must be received no later than 7 days after the date of the nomination meeting in their district and can be submitted to the following:

COC office phone: (559) 456-9096

COC office fax: (559) 456-9099

COC email (Denise Junqueiro): [email protected]

As a grower-funded federal marketing order under the United States Department of Agriculture, the COC strongly encourages women, minorities and people with disabilities to seek committee appointments in efforts to enhance the diversity of committee membership.

Each grower may nominate as many Members and Alternates as they wish, including themselves. The only prerequisite for Members and Alternates is that they must be producers within the specified district of nomination. Growers who produce in more than one district can be selected as a nominee in only one district.

Once all nominations are received, ballots will be mailed by March 15, 2013 to all growers.

The COC encourages all interested growers to participate in the nominations process and seeks a wide range of experience and perspectives. As an industry with a $493.6 million impact on the California economy, ripe olive growers across the state have the opportunity to help shape this vital agricultural industry for generations to come.