Apricot committee elections set for January

YAKIMA — Apricot growers and processors will vote for members of the state's apricot marketing committee in meetings in Yakima and Wenatchee next month.

The marketing committee is split into two districts, one representing north central Washington, the other south central Washington. Members are elected for two year terms. The committee is made up of growers and fruit processors, called handlers.

Stone Fruit Day is scheduled for Jan. 16 at the Wenatchee Convention Center. Two seats are up for election for growers, and one for handlers. Incumbent growers are Cameron Lewis, East Wenatchee, and Jan Lueber, Malaga. The incumbent in the handler position is Michael Taylor, Wenatchee. Alternates in the grower positions are Aaron Dahlstedt and Curt Dahlstedt. The handler alternate is Cole Jessup.

One handler and two grower positions are open in the south central region. Incumbent growers are Brett Calhoun, Wapato, and Ric Valicoff, Wapato; the alternates are Karen Doornick and Gayle Arnold. The handler position incumbent is Jill Douglas, Pasco. Joe Brandt is the alternate.

The committee sets standards for grading and packing apricots. Women, minorities and physically challenged people who qualify as grower or handlers are encouraged to participate.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.