Pear growers will elect nominees for positions on the Fresh Pear Committee (FPC) of Marketing Order No. 927 on February 9 in Hood River. The committee is responsible for  collection of assessments for research and the promotion and advertising of all pears marketed in domestic and export markets.

There is one grower FPC position for the Mid Columbia district to be filled at the Winter Hort meeting at 8 a.m. on Feb. 9 at the Hood River Best Western, Gorge Room, located at 1108 E Marina Way, Hood River, Oregon.

The grower member position is currently held by Dane Klindt, first alternate is Erick von Lubken, and second alternate is Derek DeBorde. The member and alternates can be re-elected because they have served one out of a possible three consecutive terms.

All pear growers are eligible to attend and participate in the respective nominations. The committee encourages women, minorities and the physically challenged who qualify as pear growers/handlers to attend and participate in the nomination proceedings. Names of those elected will be submitted to the secretary of agriculture for official appointment to the committee and will serve for a two-year period.