Mar 16 2010

Dr. Jonathan Dixon to Oversee Research and Grower Communications

IRVINE, Calif. (March 16, 2010) – Dr. Jonathan Dixon, a former research scientist at the New Zealand Avocado Growers’ Association and Industry Council Ltd has joined the California Avocado Commission (CAC) as research program director.

“Dr. Dixon is an avocado expert who has made landmark scientific contributions to – and largely influenced – the global avocado industry,” said Tom Bellamore, president of CAC. “We are excited about having him apply his knowledge for the benefit of the California avocado industry.”

Dixon brings to CAC 30 years in the avocado, horticulture, plant science, plant health and molecular bioscience realms. Dixon’s vast avocado knowledge includes expertise in commercializing new avocado cultivars, extensive avocado research – particularly in productivity, post-harvest and sustainability – and information transfer and technology systems. He has strong research and industry networks in California, South Africa, Spain, Australia and Israel, and is an experienced speaker, known for his novel ways of explaining complex ideas.

As CAC’s research program director, Dr. Dixon’s responsibilities will include research project management, outreach and communications, and development of research strategy, including identification of industry research priorities aimed at strengthening industry competitiveness, sustainability and profitability.

While at the New Zealand Avocado Growers’ Association, Dixon’s achievements included developing and implementing a plan to commercialize 11 new avocado cultivars, design and implementation of research aimed at improving productivity, and introduction of a traceback system for royalty collection.

Dr. Dixon has a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology, Master of Horticultural Science in Postharvest Physiology and Bachelor of Horticultural Science from Massey University in New Zealand.                              

About the California Avocado Commission

Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission strives to increase demand for California avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities that benefit the state’s 6,000 avocado growers. The California Avocado Commission serves as the official information source for California avocados and the California avocado industry. For information about California avocados, visit CaliforniaAvocado.com, become a fan at Facebook.com/CaliforniaAvocados and follow the California Avocado Commission on Twitter at Twitter.com/CA_Avocados.