California Prunes Honors Growers’ Environmental Leadership

Spotlighting prune growers’ long-term commitment to sustainability and innovation as Earth Day and California Ag Day align

ROSEVILLE, CALIF. – California Ag Day celebrates the bounty of California’s agriculture, highlighting the industry’s role in the economy and environment. With Earth Day also coinciding, the California Prune Board (CPB) is celebrating the stewardship of the producers in the industry and their long-standing commitment to responsible farming and producing a premium crop. 

California leads the U.S. in diverse specialty crops, producing more than half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables. California also produces virtually all prunes grown in the United States and supply a significant share of the global prune market. That’s why CPB is celebrating the dedication of the state’s growers and family farms, who steadfastly navigate evolving farming conditions while upholding the strictest agricultural quality standards that protect our natural resources.

Through innovation and multi-generational expertise, California prune growers continue to sustainably supply the world’s best prunes to consumers every day.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

Across the California prune industry, environmental leadership is grounded in a comprehensive approach to responsible stewardship, community impact, and long-term economic viability.

• Protecting the Planet: Growers implement efficient, science-based practices to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact, including precision irrigation, soil health management and energy-efficient drying methods. 
• Supporting People and Communities: Sustainability extends beyond the orchard, with a focus on fair wages, safe working conditions and strong local economies supported by California prune growers and handlers.
• Driving Long-Term Prosperity: Ongoing research and innovation continue to improve efficiency and resilience across the supply chain, supporting the long-term viability of the California prune industry.

For more than a century, California prune growers have led with responsible farming and a commitment to continuous improvement. Ongoing advancements in drying technology, irrigation efficiency and orchard management continue to improve resource use while maintaining their iconic premium quality and consistency.

Today, investments in research and technology, including Life Cycle Assessments and improvements in orchard and processing efficiency, continue to advance how California prunes are sustainably grown, dried and delivered.

Extending Impact Beyond the Orchard

The California prune industry is committed to extending the impact of its sustainability efforts beyond the orchard, connecting responsible farming practices to how people experience food and the premium quality of California prunes.

Throughout April, the industry continues to bring its agriculture story to life through engagement across culinary and media audiences. Culinary experiences and education for consumer media designed to inspire storytelling connect California prunes’ legendary taste with wholesome versatility and health benefits. At events like Cherry Bombe Jubilee in New York City, a leading culinary festival, CPB will also engage food-forward audiences and bring that story into a culinary context to further demand for the premium fruit grown in the Golden State.

As part of the broader CA GROWN mission, California prunes also carry a trusted mark of origin, reflecting the high standards, stewardship and agricultural leadership that define specialty crops in the diverse California agriculture landscape.

Rooted in California’s Highest Standards

California prunes unique premium quality is grounded in the rigorous standards that define and differentiate California agriculture – from environment and food safety to production. California prune growers uphold these standards through a continued focus on responsible farming, consistency and long-term sustainability.

This moment highlights the role of agriculture in sustainability and bringing high-quality food to people around the world. California prune growers bring that to life through responsible farming that supports both quality and long-term impact.

“As we recognize both California Ag Day and Earth Day, we’re proud to celebrate the growers and communities who make California prunes the best in the world,” said Kiaran Locy, Director of Brand & Industry Communications at CPB. “The shared commitment to sustainability ensures that we can continue delivering a high-quality, nutritious product while caring for the land that grows with us.”

To learn more about California prunes and the sustainable practices behind them, visit CaliforniaPrunes.org.

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD

The California Prune Board was established in 1980 to represent growers and handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture. California is the world’s largest producer of premium prunes with orchards across the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Promoting a lifetime of wellness through the enjoyment of California prunes, the organization leads the premium prune category with generations of craftsmanship supported by California’s leading food safety and sustainability standards. California Prunes. Prunes. For life.