James (Jim) Cranney has been president of the California Citrus Quality Council (CCQC) since July 2008. CCQC provides advocacy to improve the strategic and economic interests of California citrus growers and packers. Cranney represents the California citrus industry’s 80 citrus packers on technical and regulatory issues domestically and overseas.

He works with government agencies, international standards setting organizations, and trading partners to solve problems related to market access, sanitary and phytosanitary issues, food safety, food additive, and pesticide residue regulations that may restrict or eliminate trade of citrus fruits.

Cranney is a member of the USDA-USTR Fruit and Vegetable Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC), delegate to the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues and ex officio member of the International Society of Citriculture’s Executive Committee. He serves as chairman of the Minor Crop Farmer Alliance, a Washington, D.C.,-based specialty crop coalition, and chairman of its International Subcommittee. He is chairman of the methyl bromide Crop Protection Coalition and member of the International Fresh Produce Association’s Food Safety Council.

Prior to joining CCQC, Cranney was vice president of the U.S. Apple Association where he was responsible for regulatory, government affairs and federal appropriations for nearly 15 years. Cranney holds a Master of Science in agricultural economics and a Bachelor of Science in food marketing.