Experts Speak Out About Challenges Facing Industries
December 29, 2010 
Gary W. Van Sickle, President
California Tree Fruit Agreement, Reedley, CA
Gary has more than 44 years experience working in agriculture. After graduating from California State University-Humboldt with a B.S. degree in biology in 1976, he started working with California Tree Fruit Agreement (CTFA). CTFA administers four marketing orders for fresh market peaches, nectarines, and plums, and conducts market development, quality control, and advocacy and research programs. For many years he was involved with the Field Department and worked with growers on production matters. In 2001 he became the Research Director, and was also responsible for the implementation of the regulatory program for CTFA. In February, 2010 he was named president of CTFA, with oversight responsibilities for the entire program.
According to Van Sickle, the biggest challenge facing his industry is profitability. “Our commodities have not fared very well during the last two years. The industry is in the process of doing several modifications that, hopefully, will turn the situation to the better,” he says. “They are removing orchards of older trees and varieties which are not meeting expectations. The new varieties that are being planted have to meet the criteria of providing flavor to the consumer and will provide satisfaction on a continuing basis.”
When it comes to opportunities, CTFA has been conducting health benefits research. “We have preliminary results now about the potential of our commodities to provide health benefits,” including the areas of breast cancer and brain health. “Once these go through clinical research we are very optimistic that these benefits will provide great opportunities for our industry.”
Nathan Milburn
Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD
Nathan Milburn, who along with his father Evan was named Apple Grower of the Year by American/Western Fruit Grower in 2008, is in charge of production and U-pick at Milburn Orchards in Elkton, MD. Milburn Orchards is a 150-acre diversified fruit farm that sells a large majority of its crop through retail and U-pick. The farm’s centralized location between Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City makes it a popular destination for folks looking to vacation closer to home.
Milburn has played an active role in several industry organizations, including the International Fruit Tree Association (board member); North American Raspberry-Blackberry Association (vice president); National Berry Crops Initiative (board member); and horticultural associations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
Milburn sees new developments in technology as perhaps the biggest future opportunity for the fruit industry. This includes advancements in horticulture, varieties, and orchard mechanization. “The door is just opening up for us,” he says. “I might not necessarily see all the results of it, but my children will. All this new technology will probably be standard for them.”
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