Interview with CLFP’s Chair Jim Lipman

Tell us about your work background and history?
I am a graduate from Cal Poly SLO in Food Science. After graduating I was employed by Green Garden Foods In Kent Washington as a Microbiologist and QA Manager. I then moved to Salinas California and worked with Tanimura & Antle and worked in their R&D department. While there, I helped develop their food safety & quality programs from field through processing. After T&A, I moved to Napa to work for a Specialty food company called Tulocay & Co. I began my role there as a purchasing manager and worked my way up to EVP of Operations over the span of 10 years.

How long have you been with California Olive Ranch and what is your current position and duties?
I have been with COR for 11 years. I am currently the COO. I oversee the operational aspects for the CPG and farming side of the business. I also am responsible for all of our global sourcing.

Tell us about California Oliva Ranch?
COR was the original pioneer in California of the Super High Density olive growing format. We are the largest grower/processor of olive oil in North America. We attribute our success to providing the consumer a high quality product at a reasonable price.

How long have you been a member of CLFP?
Good Question. I don’t remember when we joined. Maybe 8 years?

How does California Olive Ranch and California food companies benefit from membership in CLFP? CLFP provides a cumulative voice in Sacramento for the food producers in California. It is important that we have a unified voice as an industry to ensure that we as producers can continue to provide food to the world without unnecessary, overreaching laws and regulations. CLFP has also been instrumental in education and providing specific guidance and support when there are industry wide issues i.e. covid response.

What made you decide to serve as CLFP chair?
Pat Talked me into it Ha! Just kidding. I wanted to do my part to help the California food manufacturers be successful in California. Also, provide my support to the league to ensure its success for years to come.

Do you have any priorities as the new CLFP chair, and/or where would like to see CLFP set its priorities in the future? I am dedicated to providing Trudi with the support she needs to be successful as the new President. 

What challenges will the California food industry face in the near future? We have many challenges today that make it very hard to be a grower/producer. Those challenges are even greater in California. We have issues with water, labor shortages, delays on materials and additional legislation only found in California.