Karla Stockli named new chairperson of CA Grown

Karla Stockli, Chief Executive Officer of the California Fig Advisory Board, is the new chairperson at Buy California Marketing Agreement (CA Grown), a partnership between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and commodity organizations representing California’s agriculture industry. Stockli follows former Chair Donn Zea, Executive Director of the California Prune Board, who led CA Grown for two years.
California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Ross said, “I look forward to working with Karla Stockli as CA Grown continues its important work to expand its membership while telling the story of California’s abundant, nutritious and delicious commodities. I also want to thank Donn Zea for his leadership in moving CA Grown forward so it may take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.”

“We are thrilled Karla will serve as Chair of the CA Grown Board,” said Cherie Watte, Executive Director of CA Grown. “Karla has served as a member of the CA Grown board since its inception and as Vice Chair of the board for two years. She was an active participant in the organization’s recent strategic evaluation process and is committed to implementing a marketing plan which includes a few new initiatives including the return of international and food service promotions.”

“It is an exciting time for CA Grown and I look forward to continuing the membership and marketing momentum of previous chair Donn Zea. Donn positioned CA Grown as an adaptable and creative marketing organization for California agriculture. I am happy to lead the organization as we implement a new strategic plan and celebrate our 20th Anniversary,” added Stockli.

Stockli has led the California fig industry for the past 14 years administering the state marketing order to govern the quality, production, and promotion of California figs. She also serves as the primary California fig industry spokesperson and is frequently quoted and interviewed in local, national, and international media print, radio, television, and online media outlets. Before she became Chief Executive Officer of the California Fig Advisory Board, Stockli served as vice president of marketing for the California Raisin Marketing Board, national foodservice marketing manager for the National Pork Board, national sales manager for an international juice concentrate company and customer services manager for a major California wine company. Stockli’s passion for serving growers and farmers is in her DNA. Born and based in the heart of San Joaquin Valley in Madera, Calif., she is the fourth generation in farming and agriculture. She has also lived in Ohio, Florida and New York while traveling extensively, both domestically and internationally, promoting California’s bounty of food and agriculture.

CA Grown was formed in 2001 to increase awareness and consumption of high-quality California agricultural products. The organization is represented today by 25 commodity organizations and dozens of agricultural entities licensed to use the popular CA Grown brand.