Scott Mabs, director of marketing for Homegrown Organic Farms in Porterville, CA, told The Produce News that the company is producing organic clementines this year.

“These are the first true organic clementines to be produced in the U.S.,” said Mr. Mabs. “The program will run during the November, December and January period.”

Homegrown Organic Farms is an organic fresh produce marketing company, representing over 3,500 acres of organic produce. The company was started in 1998 by husband and wife, John and Cindy France in California’s San Joaquin Valley.

Mr. Mabs said that the company is also increasing its year-round lemon program, and it continues to plant additional organic citrus to help round out and increase its programs, which include mandarins such as W. Murcotts, clementines and Gold Nuggets.

He acknowledged that there have been findings of the Asian citrus psyllid in California. The pest acts as a carrier or vector spreading huanglongbing, commonly referred to by its acronym, HLB, a devastating disease of citrus trees.

“We, like all citrus producers, are at risk from the spread of this disease,” said Mr. Mabs. “Scientists are working aggressively toward a solution, but in the meantime it’s a matter of using every precautionary measure possible and planning for the future.”

On Aug. 20, Homegrown Organic Farms announced in a press release that Craig Morris had joined the company as its citrus category manager. Mr. Morris comes from an extremely diverse background in the agriculture industry. He received his bachelor’s degree in agriculture business from Fresno State University. Shortly after graduating, he started his professional career with The Kroger Co. as a buyer-inspector, traveling throughout five growing regions in the West.

In 1995, Mr. Morris accepted a sales position with LoBue Bros Inc., one of California’s largest citrus grower-packer-shippers. He left the position 15 years later to explore new opportunities and was hired by Pro Citrus Network as director of new business development.

In the press release, Mr. Morris said, “My professional career has been centered around the buying and selling of conventional produce. However, organic produce is unique in that even in our economy’s weakened state, the demand for fresh, organic fruit continues to grow. In regard to the company, the principles of Homegrown, and specifically John France [president] and Tom Avinelis [chief executive officer] have built a unique culture within the company based on their steadfast foundation of beliefs, values and stewardship. I am truly excited and honored to be a part of the Homegrown team.”

Mr. Morris will be transitioning with Seth Tillery who currently holds the position. Mr. Tillery will take on the roll of regional grower and operations manager for the San Joaquin Valley.

“Both the addition of Craig and Seth’s new position are exciting changes for Homegrown’s team and growers,” said Mr. Mabs.