Beckman to lose job as California Tomato Commission downsizes
Beckman to lose job as California Tomato Commission downsizes
FRESNO, CA -- The decision of the California Tomato Commission to downsize and eliminate all activities except its research program that focuses on seed varieties and pest management will mean the loss of jobs for several members of the staff, including the organization's president, Ed Beckman.
Mr. Beckman has been with the commission for 18 years.
A press release from the commission on Wednesday, Sept. 20, stated that the commissions board of directors had voted the previous day to downsize the organization effective immediately, eliminating the marketing and government affairs programs.
According to the press release, "there will be job eliminations at CTC, though no announcements have been made at this time."
Several members of the commissions board of directors contacted by The Produce News declined to comment on the matter beyond what was in the official press release, two of them stating that they were under a gag order from the California Department of Food & Agriculture. Mr. Beckmans office told The Produce News that he was not available for comments.
However, in the Sept. 22 issue of the Fresno Bee, Mr. Beckman was quoted as saying that he, along with three others on the staff, would be terminated by Nov. 30. According to the Bee, Beckman said its likely that John Le Boeuf, contracted as research coordinator, will remain in that role.
Just last year, the commission membership approved the organizations continuation in a referendum, with more than 85 percent of the industry supporting continuation.
Mr. Beckman has been with the commission for 18 years.
A press release from the commission on Wednesday, Sept. 20, stated that the commissions board of directors had voted the previous day to downsize the organization effective immediately, eliminating the marketing and government affairs programs.
According to the press release, "there will be job eliminations at CTC, though no announcements have been made at this time."
Several members of the commissions board of directors contacted by The Produce News declined to comment on the matter beyond what was in the official press release, two of them stating that they were under a gag order from the California Department of Food & Agriculture. Mr. Beckmans office told The Produce News that he was not available for comments.
However, in the Sept. 22 issue of the Fresno Bee, Mr. Beckman was quoted as saying that he, along with three others on the staff, would be terminated by Nov. 30. According to the Bee, Beckman said its likely that John Le Boeuf, contracted as research coordinator, will remain in that role.
Just last year, the commission membership approved the organizations continuation in a referendum, with more than 85 percent of the industry supporting continuation.
