Jon Zaninovich, president of Jasmine Vineyards, in  Delano, CA, and son of one of the founders of the firm, said the company’s grape crop is early again this year, but despite that, and the drought in California, things are flowing smoothly and quality is outstanding.

“Of course we are challenged by the drought in California,” said Zaninovich. “We are pumping ground water, and that can’t last forever for agriculture in the state. We need a reverse in this drought to a wet pattern and more water storage in wet years. That’s what it’s going to take if California Legislature really wants agriculture to remain in business in this state.”

One of Jasmine Vineyards’ cold storage rooms.Zaninovich was equally unforgiving a year ago of the culture that exists in California, and especially in the Legislature, that doesn’t value the contributions agriculture makes. He said it continually challenges the ability of California agriculture to survive, noting that legislators and urban folks say they value the state’s number one business, “but they would rather water their lawns than give us the water we need.”

Jasmine Vineyards was established in 1947 with the sole purpose to produce and distribute premium grapes throughout California and the world. It has since evolved to become a renowned purveyor of a wide range of high-quality grape varieties. It offers bulk, bagged and private label products to countries worldwide while maintaining a reputable and thriving domestic business.

The company is proud to be a licensee of International Fruit Genetics, one of the world’s leading fruit breeding operations. This partnership gives Jasmine access to IFG’s proprietary selections of the highest quality grapes the world has to offer.

Zaninovich announced that the company has increased its staff with two new key employees.

“Gary Kalwatter has joined us as overseas protocol manger,” he said. “Luis Katsuyana is our new food-safety and quality control director. And we have increased our acreage on our new proprietary varieties.”

“Prices can always be better, but they are pretty good right now for high quality, dry fruit,” Zaninovich continued. “The numbers show we are keeping up. But who knows when the dog days of summer may rear its head?”

Just like water, labor is always a concern and issue for growers like Jasmine. Zaninovich stressed that the country is in need of an immigration program.

“People want to immigrate to America for a better life,” he said. “And there are jobs here for them. This is the exact reason my grandparents came to this country.”