February 27, 2009

Gino Favagrossa, Orchard Enterprise manager in the Agricultural Operations Unit at California State University, Fresno, will be installed as the president of the California Olive Oil Council at its annual meeting Saturday, Feb. 28, in Sonoma.

“This is a well-deserved recognition for Gino and the Fresno State ag program for being leaders in the olive for oil industry,” said Patricia Darragh, executive director of the council.

Favagrossa, who holds MBA and a bachelor of science degrees in agricultural business, has been in his Fresno State position since 1986. He manages approximately 200 acres of tree crops including almond, pistachio, peach, plum, nectarine, citrus and olives.

He spearheaded Fresno State’s Olive Oil Project that resulted in award-winning student-produced extra-virgin olive oil. Favagrossa supervised planting, training, development and marketing for the university’s Olive Oil Production Unit and developed the Fresno State Olive Oil label and marketing strategy.

For more information, contact Favagrossa at 559.278.2011 or gino@csufresno.edu.