Local Industry Leaders Named to USDA Advisory Committee

Three well-known Fresno County food and agriculture industry representatives have been selected to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee.

Vaughn Koligian, director of corporate sustainability for Sun-Maid Growers of California; Dianne Nury, president, Vie-Del Company; and Bill Smittcamp, president, Wawona Frozen Foods were appointed to the 25-member committee by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The committee was first chartered in 2001 and advises the Agriculture Secretary on fruit and vegetable-related industry issues. The committee was re-chartered by USDA in May 2009 for another two years. The new members will serve a two-year term and will focus on presenting industry concerns to the agency. Several members of the committee bring perspectives from not only their individual company but also the perspectives gained by serving in industry leadership positions.