California Prunes Receive Federal Funding to Strengthen Global Exports
Support from the America First Trade Promotion Program will drive global market growth and strengthen returns for California prune growers and rural communities.
ROSEVILLE, CALIF., April 21, 2026 – The California Prune Board (CPB) has been awarded funding through the America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP), following an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), recognizing CPB’s ongoing commitment to growing international demand for California prunes.
This award, coupled with industry resources, will enable CPB to boost awareness and drive sales in key international markets through impactful promotional campaigns designed to reach quality-driven, health-conscious consumers.
By unlocking opportunities in existing and new markets and growing California prune consumption globally, the program will deliver profitability back to American growers and rural communities. For California, export market access plays a key role in supporting farm revenue and the broader agricultural economy.
“The America First Trade Promotion Program award will enable CPB to accelerate exports by unlocking consumer interest in premium quality California Prunes,” said Esther Ritson-Elliott, Director of International Marketing and Communications for the California Prune Board. “By taking brand awareness to the next level, AFTPP-funded campaigns will support California prune growers, handlers, and the rural communities in which they reside to thrive and prosper for generations to come.”
This funding, made possible by the Trump Administration and USDA/FAS, reflects a federal commitment to addressing competitive export marketing opportunities for American agriculture and advances CPB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen export demand and deliver stronger returns for California growers and the rural communities that depend on a healthy agricultural economy.
Learn more about CPB nutrition research at 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 leading premium prune supplier, responsible for virtually all U.S. output (over 99 %) 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.
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For more information, contact:
Kiaran Locy, Director of Brand & Industry Communication
California Prune Board
klocy@californiaprunes.org
916-749-3442
Esther Ritson-Elliott, Director of International Marketing & Communications
California Prune Board
global@californiaprunes.net
Tel: +44 (0) 1858 462656