The Administrative Committee for Pistachios (ACP) has hired Stephen Vasquez as the organization’s executive director.
Vasquez, who began his role in Januray, succeeds Bob Klein who has served in the lead staff role of the Fresno, California-based organization since June 2007.
Klein plans to retire in April 2024 to ensure a smooth transition.
Management of the California Pistachio Research Board will also be part of Vasquez’s responsibilities, working closely with scientist focused on improving pistachio production.
Vasquez most recently worked seven years for Sun-Maid Growers, a large table grape farming company, as director of agronomy and technical viticulturist where he coordinated a research program and worked closely with growers and researchers to improve raisin production.
Vasquez’s past experience also includes working for University of California Cooperative Extension as a viticulture farm advisor for 14 years and as a USDA research technician. He was also a research agronomist for Tessenderlo Kerley, an international fertilizer company.
“We are excited to have Stephen join ACP and know that his experience will benefit the organization and pistachio growers,” Klein said in a news release. “His experience as a farm advisor and farmer will bring a unique perspective to the ACP, which will help identify gaps in research that growers rely on to be successful in California.”
Vasquez will work with federal, state and local organizations to carry out ACP’s mission. He is a lifelong resident of California and resides in Fresno CA with his wife.
Established in 2004 by pistachio growers to regulate quality aspects of domestically shipped pistachios, ACP locally administers the federal marketing order for pistachios produced in California, Arizona and New Mexico.
It primarily tests for levels of aflatoxin which can occur in tree nuts, peanuts, corn and other commodities. ACP also gathers statistics from handlers and reports aflatoxin data, funds research projects that pertain to the processing and handling of pistachios and establishes food safety regulations. The pistachio marketing order does not perform marketing activities and does not sell or arrange the purchase of pistachios, according to the release. For more information, visit acpistachios.org.
