California Association of Winegrape Growers Names New President

By Growing Produce Staff|May 11, 2010

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has appointed John Aguirre as its new president. Assuming the role on June 1, Aguirre will lead the association in serving as an advocate for California’s winegrape growers, whose crops contribute more than $2 billion annually to the state’s economy. Aguirre will oversee the association’s membership, legislative, regulatory, and marketing activities.

“California winegrape growers have led the way in so many aspects of the agricultural community,” Aguirre said. “They are innovative, forward-thinking stewards of the land, and it will be an honor and privilege to represent and serve CAWG members.”

Aguirre joins CAWG after spending the last 11 years as the executive director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN), a full service trade association that represents those who grow, handle, and retail Oregon’s ornamental horticulture products.

“CAWG’s selection committee participated in an extensive search process, and John was a superior candidate,” said Kim Ledbetter Bronson, CAWG chairwoman. “His experience in government affairs, as well as the unprecedented parallels between the Oregon Association of Nurseries and CAWG made him the top choice. We have an exciting future ahead. With the addition of John’s experience, personality, and new ideas, I am confident our organization will move into uncharted territories.”

For more information, go to www.cawg.org.