Sunkist Growers Inc. has appointed Elaine Trevino its new vice president of government relations and sustainability.
In this role, Trevino will oversee the cooperative’s government relations strategies and lead the company’s sustainability initiatives, further solidifying Sunkist’s commitment to environmental stewardship and advocacy for citrus growers, according to a news release.
Trevino brings more than 20 years of experience in agriculture, trade, government relations, supply chain and sustainability to her new position, the release said. Before joining Sunkist, she held senior roles at the USDA, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape and a strong foundation for leading government affairs, Sunkist said.
Additionally, Trevino served as the president of the Almond Alliance of California, where she championed the interests of almond growers, advocated for agricultural policies and managed all operations and finances.
“As we continue to grow and navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment, Elaine’s extensive experience in both agriculture and government will be a tremendous asset,” said Sunkist Growers’ President and CEO Jim Phillips. “Her leadership in sustainability initiatives will also be crucial as we work to enhance our sustainable farming practices and maintain our commitment to delivering high-quality citrus products to consumers.”
In her new role, Trevino will be responsible for shaping Sunkist’s government relations strategy, overseeing international trade priorities and addressing federal and state policy issues related to water, sustainability, packaging, government procurement, grants, taxes and supply chain logistics, the release said.
“I am honored to join Sunkist Growers, an organization with a rich history and strong values,” Trevino said. “I look forward to collaborating with our team and partners to advocate for the needs of our growers and to develop forward-thinking solutions for sustainability that align with the future of agriculture.”
Sunkist said Trevino’s appointment aligns with its ongoing efforts to balance agricultural productivity with environmental responsibility. As a cooperative representing over a thousand family-owned citrus farms, Sunkist is dedicated to meeting consumer demand for sustainably grown produce while advocating for policies that benefit the agricultural industry, the release said.
